This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
U.S. government officials and the mother of a Utah man jailed in Venezuela are worried about his deteriorating health.
Kevin Brosnahan, spokesman for the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, said in a statement Thursday that the bureau has requested the Venezuelan government to provide immediate medical attention for 24-year-old Joshua Holt.
His mother Laurie Holt said Friday her son has a hemorrhoid that is causing bleeding and a respiratory condition. He previously had kidney stones. She says a doctor who saw him in prison said he needs hospital care.
Holt has been jailed since June 30 on suspicion of weapons charges. He traveled to Venezuela to marry a fellow Mormon he met online. His mother says he's innocent.
Venezuela authorities contend Holt was stockpiling weapons in his wife's Caracas apartment.