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Feds investigating wife of Democratic candidate for Utah governor for medical marijuana

Posted at 5:27 PM, Jul 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-07 20:33:56-04

SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah confirms it is handling a marijuana possession case involving Donna Weinholtz, the wife of the Democratic nominee for governor.

Mike Weinholtz revealed that his wife was under investigation by law enforcement at the Utah State Democratic Party convention in April. In an interview with FOX 13 at the time, Donna Weinholtz said she was using medical marijuana to treat arthritis.

Mike Weinholtz, the Democratic nominee for Utah governor, and his wife, Donna, in an interview with FOX 13.

Mike Weinholtz, the Democratic nominee for Utah governor, and his wife, Donna, in an interview with FOX 13.

“I don’t believe in abusing any substance,” Weinholtz told FOX 13. “I don’t believing in abusing alcohol, I don’t believe in abusing this and that’s not what this is about. This is about being able to sleep, being able to relax and not have the pain from arthritis and I know the folks out there know what I’m talking about.”

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah said a case was brought to them by the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and Homeland Security.

“There is an investigation under way,” Melodie Rydalch said, declining to provide further details or if any charges would be leveled.

The Weinholtz campaign told FOX 13 on Thursday that it was informed the investigation was ongoing.

“As far as we know, the status of the investigation is the same today as it has been for over two months and remains an open investigation. No decision has been made as to whether Donna will, in fact, be prosecuted, or if so, even by whom,” the campaign said in a statement. “When we have more information to share, we will do so at the appropriate time.”

Weinholtz overwhelmingly won the Democratic nomination at the state convention. He will face incumbent Republican Governor Gary Herbert in November.

Medical marijuana is legal in other states, but illegal in Utah. The state legislature has recently been grappling with legislation on the topic and is expected to address it again next year.