Joseph de Soto, a newly elected delegate from West Virginia, was officially removed from office Wednesday while under house confinement. De Soto, 61, is facing charges stemming from alleged terroristic threats against several state lawmakers.
De Soto, who switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party prior to the election, was chosen in November to represent Berkeley County’s southern region in District 91. In December, he was arrested after reportedly claiming that God had instructed him to kill prominent Republican leaders, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and House Majority Leader Pat McGeehan.
Released on bond on December 23, de Soto was placed under home confinement by the Berkeley County Magistrate Court. Conditions of his release include a prohibition on contacting the individuals he allegedly threatened or possessing any deadly weapons. His case is pending further proceedings before a grand jury.
The Republican-led House of Delegates declared de Soto’s seat vacant following a majority vote. The vacancy requires West Virginia’s governor to appoint a replacement from the district. This responsibility now falls to Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, a Republican who will be inaugurated Monday, succeeding outgoing Governor Jim Justice. Justice, also a Republican, is preparing to take office in the U.S. Senate.
The removal underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the integrity and safety of its legislative process. As deliberations continue, this case remains a serious reminder of the need for accountability among public officials.
