Current:Home > ContactNewly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats -Wealthify
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
View
Date:2025-04-14 20:47:24
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (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 he made “several threatening/intimidating threats against government officials,” according to a statement from Lt. Leslie T. Goldie Jr. of the West Virginia State Police. The lieutenant did not provide details about the threats or to whom they were directed.
De Soto was elected to his first term in the West Virginia House as a Republican representing part of Berkeley County in the state’s eastern panhandle in November, receiving 72% of the vote in the general election after defeating two other Republicans in the May primary.
De Soto did not immediately return a phone message Thursday seeking comment. A Berkeley County Magistrate Court clerk said that as of Thursday, de Soto had not yet been scheduled for arraignment. The case is still under investigation, state police said.
“The West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Capitol Police take all threats against government process seriously,” Goldie Jr. said. “Any person making these threats used to intimidate, disrupt, or coerce the members of our West Virginia legislature or other governmental bodies will not be tolerated.”
If convicted, de Soto could face a maximum fine of $25,000 and three years in prison.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (74)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Oklahoma City Thunder show it has bark in tight Game 1 win over New Orleans Pelicans
- 2 young siblings killed, several people hurt when suspected drunk driver crashes into Michigan birthday party, officials say
- Dominic West Details How Wife Catherine FitzGerald Was Affected by Lily James Drama
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- 2024 NFL draft selections: Teams with most picks in this year's draft
- Los Angeles Clippers defeat Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA playoff series
- Parents arrested after 1-month-old twins were found dead at Houston home in October 2023
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Bachelor Nation's Greg Grippo and Victoria Fuller Break Up After One Year of Dating
Ranking
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Earth Day: How one grocery shopper takes steps to avoid ‘pointless plastic’
- Maps show states where weed is legal for recreational, medical use in 2024
- Tesla cuts prices on three models after tumultuous week and ahead of earnings
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- With interest rate cuts delayed, experts offer tips on how to maximize your 401(k)
- QSCHAINCOIN FAQ
- Qschaincoin: Bitcoin Revolution Begins; Will BTC Price Smash the $69K Mark?
Recommendation
Small twin
Vice President Harris to reveal final rules mandating minimum standards for nursing home staffing
In Wyoming, a Tribe and a City Pursue Clean Energy Funds Spurned by the Governor
Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley Mourn Death of Vampire Diaries Makeup Artist Essie Cha
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Singer Renée Fleming unveils healing powers of music in new book, Music and Mind
When is Earth Day 2024? Why we celebrate the day that's all about environmental awareness
Bringing back the woolly mammoth to roam Earth again. Is it even possible? | The Excerpt