WV lawmaker arrested after threatening to kill entire region’s delegation over caucus beef
A West Virginia state delegate-elect from Gerrardstown, Joseph de Soto, found himself in hot water after allegedly threatening to kill multiple lawmakers following news that he might be removed from his GOP caucus position. The incident took place in Charles Town, W.V. where De Soto was arrested and booked as a “pretrial felon” for making terroristic threats.
According to reports, De Soto was informed of a vote to remove him from his position for undisclosed reasons, which left him enraged. The delegate-elect then proceeded to threaten several fellow lawmakers, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw. De Soto allegedly expressed his intentions to kill these individuals, claiming he had received a vision from the Mormon Angel of Moroni instructing him to “destroy” them.
In a disturbing email to a person who complained to the police, De Soto wrote, “Eastern Panhandle delegates … can all go to Hell. I will send them there as commanded.” These threats prompted one delegate, Wayne Clark, to receive a call instructing him to relocate his family immediately due to safety concerns.
Clark commended the swift response of law enforcement in securing his family and expressed hope that De Soto receives the necessary help. The delegate-elect had recently filed to change his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic just before his arrest, which could lead to a legal battle over his replacement in the West Virginia State House.
The West Virginia Democratic Party chair, Mike Pushkin, condemned the threats made by De Soto and emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of public servants and their families. Similarly, WVGOP Chairman Matt Herridge denounced the former delegate-elect’s behavior and expressed support for the House GOP Caucus’s expulsion efforts.
The West Virginia State Police have been contacted for additional comments on the arrest, while attempts to reach De Soto for a response have been unsuccessful. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by elected officials and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being in the line of duty.
