Man accused of sending ricin-laced letters wants to change plea

A Mississippi man accused of sending ricin-laced letters to President Obama and other high-ranking officials recanted his confession on Tuesday.

The New York Daily News reported that at his sentencing hearing, James Everett Dutschke told the judge that he was innocent and wants to withdraw his guilty plea.

“Your filing the motion to withdraw does not necessarily mean the court will grant it,” U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock told the defendant. “I do want you to understand that your withdrawal is in the discretion of the court.”

Judge Aycock said she will make her ruling after she reviews both sides of the case.

USA Today noted that the 41-year-old was accused in April 2013 of sending ricin-laced letters to the president; Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.; and Judge Sadie Holland of Lee County Justice Court in Tupelo.

Before admitting to the charge, Dutscke tried framing another Mississippi man, Elvis impersonator, Kevin Curtis, as the culprit who sent the letters.

Dutscke pleaded guilty in January.