625-lb Michigan Bomb Threat Suspect Says Weight Prevents Court Appearance
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A 44-year-old Michigan man charged with making a bomb threat says he can't appear in court because of his weight.
The Grand Rapids Press reports that Jeffery Allan Klein says a variety of obesity-related ailments have left him bedridden. He says he weighs 625 pounds and suffers from diabetes, back pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Klein was charged with making a false bomb threat at a Cedar Springs mobile home. Because of prior felony convictions, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Police say Klein called 911 and said there was a bomb in the park that was set to go off in four hours. A search was conducted and nothing was found.
Police say he confessed to making the threat because he was angry at park management for fining him.
The court issued a warrant for Klein's arrest after he missed numerous court hearings. His attorney, Damian Nunzio, said the Kent County Fugitive Taskforce knows that Klein is now living in Grand Rapids, but they haven't picked him up yet.
Nunzio said it would cost between $2,000 and $3,000 to move him from the special bed in which he is confined. He also said he would have to be transported by a special ambulance and taken to the court via a freight elevator.
Nunzio said if Klein is convicted, his health concerns would present challenges for the Kent County Jail and the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Assistant Prosecutor James Benison said Klein's move from Cedar Springs to Grand Rapids in November showed he can get out of the house when he really wants to.
Judge Dennis Leiber told the lawyers they have until Friday to figure out a way to resolve the case.
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