Associated Press Published

Man Accused of Threatening Delegate Who Vilified LGBT Groups

Del. Eric Porterfield, R-Mercer, being sworn-in as a member of the W.Va. House of Delegates. Jan. 4, 2019.

A Virginia man is accused of threatening a GOP member of the West Virginia House of Delegates who called the LGBTQ community a modern day version of the Ku Klux Klan.

News outlets report an arrest warrant has been issued for 49-year-old Jonathan George Benfer. Court records say Benfer called Mercer County Del. Eric Porterfield last month and left a slur-laden message offering to fight him.

A criminal complaint quotes Benfer as identifying as LGBTQ and saying Porterfield’s comments contribute to suicide rates. Capitol police say the call came days after the Republican minister called LGBTQ groups “socialists” and “discriminatory bigots.” His comments were denounced by local and state lawmakers.

Benfer is charged with intimidating a public official and making obscene, harassing or threatening communications.

Tags Related to This Article

Related News

Government Jack Walker,

Find Your Sample Ballot With New Virtual Tool

A new online tool shows residents the candidates and measures they can vote on in this year's primary election in advance, so that they can take more time to consider their decisions.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News
Government Randy Yohe,

Justice Endorses Moore Capito For Governor

One day after telling statehouse reporters he was still considering who to endorse in the hotly contested Republican primary for governor, the outgoing office holder, Gov Jim Justice, announced his pick; Moore Capito.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News
Government Randy Yohe,

W.Va. Rail Trails Network Getting Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

Nearly 700 miles of new or enhanced rail trails are part of a nearly $19 million outdoor recreation infrastructure project.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News