Exclusive: Marijuana investigation of candidate's wife now before federal prosecutors
Salt Lake City — (KUTV) The marijuana investigation surrounding Donna Weinholtz, wife of Democratic candidate for governor Mike Weinholtz, is now in the hands of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Salt Lake City.
"We're looking at the case," said Melodie Rydalch, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney. "The case has been presented to our office for review."
She would not say why the investigation has risen to the federal level, but it's likely allegations against Mrs. Weinholtz involve the mail.
Mike Weinholtz revealed the investigation more than two months ago at the Utah Democratic Party Convention.
"My wife is under investigation for marijuana possession," he said at the time. "I thought it would be dishonest if I didn't disclose it."
He said Donna Weinholtz used marijuana to seek relief from chronic neck, back and knee pain brought on by arthritis.
Though some states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana, under federal law, it's still illegal.
Rydalch said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Service inspectors compiled the investigative information, which was turned over to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Most of the time, federal marijuana cases in Utah deal with people moving it through the state, lighting up in national forests, or growing it in massive, remote operations.
Late Thursday afternoon, the Weinholtz campaign issued a statement to 2News:
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 when it has more information, it will share it "at the appropriate time."
