Democrat Lawmaker Arrested For Heinous Attack On GOP Opponent
Following allegations that he threatened to kill five of his soon-to-be Republican colleagues, a Democrat who was poised to be elected as a state representative in West Virginia has been detained.
An investigation revealed that Joseph de Soto, 61, had made “several threatening/intimidating threats against government officials,” according to a statement released by Lieutenant Leslie T. Goldie Jr. of the West Virginia State Police. As a result of the investigation, de Soto was taken into custody by state police on Thursday in Martinsburg. Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the specific nature of the threats or the individuals targeted.
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by local station WDVM, one of the individuals targeted was Roger Hanshaw, the Republican Speaker of the House in West Virginia.
“This arrest was made following an investigation that revealed Mr. de Soto 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 State Police and the West Virginia Capitol Police take all threats against government process seriously.”
In a primary election for the Republican Party, which included three candidates, de Soto won the race to represent the 91st district of the state. He unseated the incumbent Don Forsht and later secured an uncontested victory in the November general election. However, on Wednesday, de Soto switched his party affiliation to the Democratic Party. By Thursday morning, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website identified him as a Democrat, according to West Virginia Watch.
Before his arrest, Republicans in West Virginia had raised concerns about inconsistencies in de Soto’s claims regarding his military service and professional background. While de Soto alleged he was a practicing physician, a report from the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia highlighted various discrepancies in his statements.
Republican members of the House of Delegates held a closed-door meeting on Sunday to question de Soto about the allegations and discuss the possibility of disqualifying him. According to a criminal complaint, de Soto’s reaction to the meeting included anger and threatening language. In a December 10 email, de Soto reportedly wrote, “They play stupid games, they are getting stupid awards … I have only begun … and won’t stop. I had a vision to destroy them from the angel of Moroni.”
Due to his arrest, de Soto has not yet been sworn into office, and his position may be in jeopardy. If he is disqualified, the Democratic Party will have the opportunity to select a replacement.
Mike Pushkin, the chair of the state’s Democratic Party, addressed the allegations in a statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the delegates and their families who were subjected to these alleged threats. No one—especially those working in public service—should ever have to fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones,” Pushkin wrote. “We will continue to support efforts to ensure the safety of those who work in service to the people of West Virginia.”