MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A man has been arrested following reports that he made threats of violence against Berkeley County sheriff’s deputies.
Paul Vassar Butler, 29, was arraigned in Berkeley County Magistrate Court Tuesday on a felony count of threats of terrorist acts.
He was last reportedly lodged in the Eastern Regional Jail in lieu of a $50,000 cash-only bond.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office told The Panhandle News Network they received numerous reports from concerned citizens regarding social media posts allegedly made by Butler “that contained threats of violence directed toward BCSO deputies.”
“The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office treats all threats against law enforcement personnel as serious and credible,” said the press release from the sheriff’s office..
Following an immediate investigation by deputies, probable cause was established, arrest warrants and a search warrant were obtained, and the BCSO SWAT Team was activated to take Butler into custody.
Butler was taken into custody without incident with the assistance of BCSO Deputies/US Marshals and ICE.
“The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for threats of violence against our deputies or any public servant,” a sheriff’s office news release said. “Whether made in person or online through social media, threats intended to intimidate or harm law enforcement will be investigated aggressively, and those responsible will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law.
“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.”
Sheriff Rob Blair expressed his appreciation to the citizens who promptly reported the posts.
“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,” Blair said. “Public safety is a shared responsibility, and the partnership between law enforcement and our citizens remains one of our greatest strengths.”
Butler has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 16.