Current:Home > ScamsNewly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats -Legacy Build Solutions
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:17:13
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! (6752)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- USWNT might have lost at World Cup, but Megan Rapinoe won a long time ago
- Officials believe body found near Maryland trail where woman went missing is Rachel Morin
- At least 3 dead in bus crash on Pennsylvania interstate, authorities say
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Read the Heartwarming Note Taylor Swift Wrote to Alicia Keys’ Son for Attending Eras Tour
- Russian warship appears damaged after Ukrainian drone attack on Black Sea port of Novorossiysk
- What is the healthiest alcohol? It's tricky. Here are some low-calorie options to try.
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Paying too much for auto insurance? 4 reasons to go over your budget now.
Ranking
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- 'Down goes Anderson!' Jose Ramirez explains what happened during Guardians-White Sox fight
- Kyle Kirkwood wins unusually clean IndyCar race on streets of Nashville
- Dirt bike rider dies in crash at Maine motocross park
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $260 Crossbody Bag for Just $59
- Andrew Tate, influencer facing rape and trafficking charges in Romania, released from house arrest
- Simone Biles is trying to enjoy the moment after a two-year break. The Olympic talk can come later
Recommendation
Small twin
Stock market today: Asian benchmarks mostly slip after Wall Street’s losing week
Heat rash treatment: What to know about the condition and how to get rid of it quick
Attacks at US medical centers show why health care is one of the nation’s most violent fields
Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
Rahul Gandhi, Indian opposition leader, reinstated as lawmaker days after top court’s order
Woman accuses Bill Cosby of drugging, sexually assaulting her in the '80s
Officials believe body found near Maryland trail where woman went missing is Rachel Morin