Current:Home > ScamsNewly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats -VisionFunds
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
View
Date:2025-04-17 15:59:13
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! (274)
Related
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Browns DE Myles Garrett fined $25,000 by NFL for criticizing officials after game
- Spoilers! All the best 'Wonka' Easter eggs from Roald Dahl's book and Gene Wilder's movie
- Serbia’s populists look to further tighten grip on power in tense election
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Loyer, Smith lead No. 3 Purdue past No. 1 Arizona 92-84 in NCAA showdown
- Fire destroys a Los Angeles-area church just before Christmas
- Electric vehicles owners and solar rooftops find mutual attraction
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Bethenny Frankel talks feuds, throwing drinks, and becoming an accidental influencer
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Yes, that’s Martha Stewart at 14. Why holiday nostalgia is healthy.
- The Hilarious Reason Ice-T Sits Out This Holiday Tradition With Wife Coco Austin and Daughter Chanel
- Prosecutors say Washington state man charged in 4 murders lured victims with promise of buried gold
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- The sorry Chargers have one major asset in recruiting a new coach: Stud QB Justin Herbert
- Bowl game schedule today: Everything to know about the six college bowl games on Dec. 16
- Britain says a Royal Navy ship has shot down an attack drone over the Red Sea
Recommendation
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Belarus political prisoners face abuse, no medical care and isolation, former inmate says
European diplomacy steps up calls for Gaza cease-fire
Stephen A. Smith and Steve Kerr feud over Steph Curry comments: 'I'm disgusted with him'
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
Senators eye border deal framework as early as Sunday, though parole policy remains sticking point
Inflation has cooled a lot. So why do things still feel so expensive?
Body of 28-year-old hostage recovered in Gaza, Israel says