Dem West Virginia state rep arrested over threatening GOP colleagues

An incoming West Virginia state representative was arrested Thursday after he allegedly threatened to kill five of his colleagues. The arrest could also spark political fallout over who will take his seat if it remains open.

Joseph De Soto, 61, was elected to the House of Delegates in West Virginia in November as a Republican, however, he switched from Republican to Democrat the day before his arrest, 59 News reported. He won the seat for Berkeley County but has now been tied up with charges for allegedly making death threats at the state Capitol to five of his colleagues during a caucus meeting



De Soto was informed of a vote to remove him from his seat for "undisclosed reasons" and became "upset" over the news, Fox News reported. De Soto is reportedly getting investigated for falsifying his military information as well as other personal details on the campaign trail, the outlet reported.

Police documents showed that the incoming representative launched the alleged death threats against House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Reps. Bill Ridenour, Pat McGeehan, Michael Hite and Chuck Horst. He is accused of saying that God called on him to kill the other representatives and sent messages containing the alleged death threats earlier this week.

De Soto remains behind bars at Eastern Regional Jail on a $300,000 cash bond. Since he registered as a Democrat the day before the arrest, however, the switch could cause a legal fight over which party retains the seat.

“The Republican Party may contest that and say he was elected as a Republican, and so it should be a Republican, so I am sure there is going to be some litigation,” said political analyst Tom Susman. “If he does come in as a Democrat, then that means that the Democrats in the caucus can now demand roll call votes, where as with only nine, they couldn’t demand roll call votes."

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said in a statement, "Violence and intimidation have no place in our government or our democracy. Public service is about resolving differences through dialogue, not threats. We trust that law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation, and we hope for a swift resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all involved."

West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge responded to the situation, saying, "The West Virginia Republican Party supports our House leadership and their expulsion efforts. We disavow and condemn the behavior of the former Republican Delegate-elect and continue to thank all those who are willing to serve their communities and state, in spite of the serious challenges it too often poses."