Santee
A San Diego man was convicted Thursday of mailing a package of douche laced with silver nitrate to his ex-girlfriend.
The U. S. District Court jury deliberated 2 1/2 hours before finding Steven Lawrence James, 44, guilty of mailing a poisonous substance.
The felony charge carries a 20-year federal prison term. Judge Rudi Brewster set sentencing for Aug. 22.
The intended victim was Karen Brzys, 32, of Santee.
“Obviously we are pleased in that the jury listened to the evidence,” Assistant U.S. Atty. Gregory Vega said.
James’ attorney, Douglas Brown, argued Thursday that the jury should convict James of a misdemeanor charge of mailing the package without intent to injure.
Brown said he had an expert testify that the amount of silver nitrate in the douche was harmless. The expert said the chemical is used in that level to disinfect infants’ eyes, according to Brown.
“That’s the verdict. We’ll have to live with it,” Brown said. “Right now, we’re interested in getting the defendant some psychological counseling.”
James remains in Metropolitan Correctional Center without bail.
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