BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Joseph DeSoto, the delegate-elect for West Virginia’s 91st District, has switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat following his arrest for allegedly making terroristic threats.
DeSoto, a resident of Berkeley County, was taken into custody early Thursday morning after reportedly making threats against fellow members of the West Virginia House of Delegates.
He was elected in November after defeating Constitution Party candidate Rick Thomson in the General Election.
According to voter registration records from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, DeSoto changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat prior to his arrest.
Republicans in the House have discussed plans to seek DeSoto’s expulsion if he does not resign before the legislative session begins in January.
However, since DeSoto is now registered as a Democrat, the responsibility to pick his replacement will fall to the Democratic Party if he is expelled or resigns.
Under House rules, a delegate cannot be expelled until the legislative session is officially underway.
