Fomer Pocatelloan held in Venezuelan prison could be released but remain in country

A former Pocatello man being held in a Venezuelan prison could be released because of medical concerns his family says.

Venezuelan prosecutors have requested a conditional release of Holt and his wife, Thamy.

Authorities accused Holt of hiding an assault rifle and grenades at the apartment where the two were living. Authorities have suggested he was linked to a U.S.-backed conspiracy to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

“The prosecution has sent in the petition but the judge has not approved it yet so we’re staying faithful and praying really hard but we’re trying to remain quiet right now not to bring any more attention to it in Venezuela right now and make anybody mad so that hopefully the judge approves it,” Josh’s mother, Laurie Holt, said in a statement to The Associated Press.

Laurie Holt said her son fell about 9 to 10 feet off his bunk and “hit the ground hard,” causing serious injuries two weeks ago. After landing on his tailbone he reportedly hit his head. She believes he might have a concussion and said he was being denied medical care.

If the conditional release is approved, Josh and his wife would be freed from prison but would have to remain in Venezuela to await trial still. The prosecution has sent in the petition but the judge has not yet approved it.