An incoming Democrat state representative in West Virginia has been arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill five of his soon-to-be Republican colleagues.
Joseph de Soto, 61, was arrested by state police Thursday in Martinsburg after an investigation found that he made “several threatening/intimidating threats against government officials,” according to a statement from Lieutenant Leslie T. Goldie Jr. of the West Virginia State Police. Police did not provide additional details as to what the threats were or whom exactly they were directed towards.
Local outlet WDVM reported that West Virginia Republican Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw was one of the targets, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by the outlet.
CHARLESTON, https://t.co/Aywo8GQclS. (AP) – A newly elected state lawmaker in West Virginia is facing at least one felony and is accused of making terroristic threats. Joseph de Soto, 61, was arrested by state police Thursday in Martinsburg following an investigation that found… pic.twitter.com/zLAqxe62yQ
— Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) December 13, 2024
“This arrest was made following an investigation that revealed Mr. Desoto had made several threatening/intimidating threats against government officials. This investigation is ongoing,” the West Virginia State Police announced in a press release. “The West Virginia