A West Virginia lawmaker was arrested after threatening to murder the entire region's delegation over a caucus dispute.

A West Virginia state delegate-elect was arrested on Thursday for allegedly threatening to kill multiple lawmakers after being informed he might lose his GOP caucus position.

On Tuesday, a medical doctor from Gerrardstown, about 100 miles west of Washington, D.C., allegedly threatened several other delegates, including the Speaker of the House, after being told to step down, reportedly expressing outrage.

Berkeley County jail records show that De Soto was arrested as a "pretrial felon" for making threatening statements.

According to Planet Chronicle Digital, De Soto was informed of a vote that led to his removal from a position, causing him to be upset.

De Soto threatened to kill several fellow Eastern Panhandle lawmakers, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay.

"De Soto, as stated in the criminal complaint, said he was focused on four evil individuals who were not angry but at peace with what he needed to do. When someone attempted to stop de Soto from threatening people, his response was, "I did say I am going to kill people. I said I am going what is necessary to put them from office.""

De Soto stated that he received a vision from the Mormon Angel of Moroni to "destroy" Wayne Clark, Dels, Michael Hite, Joe Funkhouser, and Charles Horst, all R-Martinsburg, and claimed to have been instructed by God to kill another lawmaker from Weirton.

According to a law enforcement report obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital, de Soto wrote in an email to a person who complained to police, "They play stupid games, they are getting stupid awards."

"I will send all Eastern Panhandle delegates to Hell as commanded."

On Friday, during an interview, Clark revealed that he received a call while driving home from Charleston to Charles Town that his family should relocate immediately due to a threat.

"Driving straight into a snowstorm, I didn't meet up with my family until almost 7 p.m. I got the call at 3 p.m.," Clark stated.

Charles Town Police Department and Jefferson and Berkeley County sheriff's offices were commended by Clark for their prompt response in safeguarding his family. Additionally, he expressed hope that de Soto receives personal assistance.

It's clear he requires assistance due to past events in his life. However, he admitted he's unsure.

The lawmaker acknowledged that being a candidate for office involves having one's personal information and opinions exposed to the public, but he emphasized that family matters should always remain private.

"I've never experienced having someone make threats that are now affecting my family, but I can imagine how difficult it must be to hear the words "Hey, Wayne. Get your family in a safe place.""

De Soto, who was elected as a Republican in the 91st District, which encompasses the suburbs of Martinsburg, reportedly filed to switch his political affiliation to Democratic right before his arrest.

The replacement of a delegate in West Virginia could spark a partisan or legal dispute, as state law specifies that the outgoing lawmaker's party's county committee must appoint a member of the party to the seat. Currently, the West Virginia State House is 89-11 Republican.

Recently, De Soto was reportedly investigated for allegedly falsifying information about his medical career, which led to Republicans' concerns, according to Huntington's CBS affiliate.

The West Virginia Democratic Party chair, Del. Mike Pushkin, expressed the party's sympathies towards the affected delegates and their families.

"Pushkin of Kanawha stated that no one, particularly those in public service, should ever fear for their safety or that of their loved ones. The allegations are serious and should be treated as such with the full weight of the law."

WVGOP Chairman Matt Herridge stated that the party is fully aware of the allegations and facts of the case, as well as the actions taken by the House GOP Caucus regarding [de Soto's] expulsion.

"The West Virginia Republican Party supports the expulsion of our elected officials who face threats against themselves and their families while serving their communities."

"We condemn the behavior of the former Republican Delegate-elect and thank those who serve their communities and state, despite the challenges it presents."

The West Virginia State Police were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for more information on de Soto's arrest.

A call to a number listed for de Soto was not returned.