Pot smoker accused of threat pleads guilty to firearm charge

AUSTIN, Texas – The sister of a Texas man accused of violating a federal law that makes it illegal for controlled-substance users to own a firearm says he relies on marijuana to treat epilepsy.

The Austin American-Statesman reports that 50-year-old Steven Boehle (BO-lee) was initially accused of planning an attack on police.

Investigators allege an informant said Boehle wanted to shoot officers. A federal judge says a letter Boehle allegedly wrote about the plan was “marijuana-induced gibberish.”

Boehle pleaded guilty in September to unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was sentenced this month to five years’ probation.

Boehle could go to prison if he tests positive or is found with marijuana. His sister says that’s a concern given his reliance on the drug. She says her brother suffered a seizure and hit his head while in jail.

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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com