BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man was arrested this week after allegedly making violent threats against deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office through social media.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the department received numerous reports from concerned citizens regarding social media posts allegedly made by Paul Butler that contained threats of violence directed toward BCSO deputies.
The sheriff’s office said it immediately launched an investigation led by Deputy Baldridge and other members of the agency. Investigators established probable cause, obtained arrest warrants and a search warrant, and activated the BCSO SWAT Team to take Butler into custody.
Authorities said Butler was apprehended without incident with assistance from Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The sheriff’s office said it takes all threats against law enforcement personnel seriously and will aggressively investigate anyone accused of making threats against deputies or other public servants, whether those threats are made in person or through social media.
“Our deputies put their lives on the line every day to protect this community. Threats against them are not protected by free speech, are not dismissed as jokes, and will not be ignored. We remain committed to protecting the men and women who serve this county and ensuring the safety of the public.”
Berkeley County Sheriff Robert A. “Rob” Blair also thanked community members who reported the alleged threats.
“I want to personally thank the members of our community who immediately brought these threats to our attention. Your willingness to report suspicious and dangerous behavior allowed us to respond quickly and appropriately. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and the partnership between law enforcement and our citizens remains one of our greatest strengths.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone who observes threats of violence or other suspicious activity to report it immediately, saying community cooperation remains an important part of keeping the public safe.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
