A West Virginia state lawmaker, Joseph de Soto, was arrested just weeks before he was set to take office, accused of threatening to kill fellow delegates. De Soto, 61, faces charges of making terrorist threats, according to a criminal complaint filed against him.
Authorities aren’t taking the situation lightly. “The West Virginia State Police and Capitol Police take all threats against the government process seriously,” said State Police Lt. Leslie T. Goldie Jr. “We won’t tolerate anyone trying to intimidate or coerce members of our legislature.”
The trouble began earlier this week when a woman reported to police that De Soto had made serious threats against members of the West Virginia State Legislature. The complaint reveals that the incident stemmed from a Republican Caucus meeting held at the State Capitol on Sunday, where De Soto was voted out of his position. The reasons for his removal haven’t been officially disclosed, but according to West Virginia Watch, some Republican lawmakers questioned the truthfulness of his military background and his career as a physician.
According to the complaint, De Soto didn’t take the vote well. During a phone call with the woman, he allegedly named five delegates he planned to kill. When asked about his intentions, De Soto reportedly claimed that God had called him to do it.
The allegations are supported by emails that De Soto himself allegedly sent, in which he made chilling statements. In one email, he 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.” The angel Moroni is a figure from the Book of Mormon. He ended the email with, “They can all go to hell; I will send them there as commanded.”
In another email, sent the next day, De Soto allegedly wrote, “I am focused on 4 people who are evil … not angry but at peace with what I need to do.”
The woman also shared text messages with police, including one in which she told De Soto to stop talking about killing people. His alleged response? “I did say I am going to kill people. I said I am going [to do] what is necessary to put them from office.”
She described De Soto as having a temper and said he becomes very angry, especially when he feels attacked or pushed out of his position.
When contacted for comment, De Soto did not respond. However, his attorney, Jacob Mills, emphasized that his client is innocent until proven guilty. “He has entered a plea of not guilty,” Mills said. “We will present his case in court and expect his vindication.”
The situation has sparked reactions from both sides of the political aisle. West Virginia Republican Party chairman Matt Herridge said the party fully supports De Soto’s removal. “Our elected officials sacrifice a lot to serve their communities, and it’s a travesty for anyone to face threats against themselves or their families,” Herridge said.
Mike Pushkin, the chair of the state Democratic Party, called the allegations “deeply serious” and offered support to the delegates involved. “No one, especially those in public service, should have to fear for their safety or that of their loved ones,” Pushkin said.
De Soto, originally from California, was elected in November to represent District 91 in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He assumed office on December 1 and was set to be officially sworn in on January 8. However, his arrest leaves his future unclear. Interestingly, on the same day of his arrest, De Soto switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, according to Mike Queen, a spokesperson for the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.
If De Soto resigns, the Democratic Party will appoint a replacement due to his recent party change, West Virginia Watch reported. For now, it remains to be seen what will happen to his seat in the legislature.
