Mom of former Pocatello man in Venezuelan jail says her son’s condition is worse

Joshua Holt is a former Pocatello man now living in Utah. Josh has been stuck in a Venezuelan jail for 67 days, since June 30.

On Monday, his mom Laurie tells KIDK/KIFI that his living conditions in jail are poor and his health is really suffering.

Laurie said Josh has lost a lot of weight, going from a pant size of 40 to a size 32. She said he also has severe coughing fits where he can’t breathe, and sometimes can even taste blood. He has also had kidney stones, pneumonia, hemorrhoids and scabies.

Laurie said while his health is struggling, the family has slowly been gaining more government support to get Josh released.

His story, #JusticeforJosh, has gained national attention. Laurie said CNN, the Today Show and NBC have all picked up Josh’s story. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Congresswoman Mia Love have joined in the effort as well. Both Hatch and Love have been trying to put pressure on the state department. By doing this, they hope the state department will then put pressure on the Venezuelan government to release Josh.

Josh is formally charged with possession of weapons of war. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15. If the judge throws out the case, Josh would be able to go home. But Laurie said even if it’s not dismissed, Josh could still be let out of prison on probation. Laurie said the family is of course hoping the case is thrown out, but if not, they just hope Josh is released regardless. Laurie said they are hopeful his case could be thrown out because there are supposed witnesses who saw Venezuelan police plant the weapons found in Josh and Thamy’s apartment.

Laurie said the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela has been able to see Josh twice, but other numerous requests to see him have been denied. The family has also had no further contact with Josh, they only hear from his lawyer.

Laurie said Josh’s situation is taking a big toll on the family, both financially and emotionally.

“Honestly, we’ve stopped living. Our life has completely changed,” said Laurie Holt. “Everything that we do is focused on getting him free. Right now, our Go Fund Me account shows that there’s a lot of money in there, but we’ve actually already sent all of that money off to the lawyer. So right now, we’re just trying to focus on fundraisers and what not to raise more money for the lawyer fees.”

Laurie said they actually have three lawyers and so it’s costing the family everything.

Laurie said the family is also working on getting Josh’s wife, Thamy, and her two daughters visas so they can come back to the U.S. with Josh when he’s allowed to return.

The Go Fund Me page is still available for anyone who would like to help the family.