Josh Holt still being held without contact in Venezuela

Venezuelan Interior Minister Gustavo Gonzalez talked about the arrest of former Pocatello man Joshua Holt in a television broadcast this week.

Holt’s mother, Laurie Holt, said Gonzalez referred to Holt by his supposed alias, “the gringo”.

She said Gonzalez accused Holt of being a trained gunman and a technology expert. He also accused Josh of being a paramilitary with an FAA pilot’s license and questioned the legality of his marriage to Thamy Caleno.

Gonzalez accused Holt of using his wife’s apartment to stockpile weapons.

For the first time, Holt’s mother learned that Josh was being charged with possessing weapons of war. Venezuelan officials believe he is liked to supposed attempts by the United States to undermine President Nicolas Maduro’s rule.

Mrs. Holt said the U.S. Embassy has made three additional attempts to see Josh, but all have been ignored.

She added, Josh has medical issues that would keep him from becoming a pilot, even if he wanted to be one.

Holt’s Venezuelan lawyer sent his family a picture of a letter he wrote to his family, but was not allowed to mail. In it, Josh said, “I just want to say I love you and that we’re going (to) get out of here and be a happy family!”

The family is holding a rally for Josh at the Utah State Capitol July 30 at 11 a.m.