Man sentenced in puffer fish poison plot

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ROCKFORD, Ill., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- An Illinois man was sentenced Monday to 92 months in federal prison for intending to use a deadly fish toxin to kill his wife and collect on her life insurance.

Edward F. Bachner IV, 39, of Lake in the Hills had obtained the puffer fish toxin through the mail in 2008. Authorities said he intended to use it to poison his wife, Rebecca, who had a $20 million life insurance policy.

She attended his sentencing in U.S. District Court in Rockford to support him, the Chicago Tribune reported. She didn't testify but submitted a letter on his behalf, the newspaper said.

"Rebecca wrote she loves her husband very much. He's kind and caring and she feels safe with him," defense lawyer Jeff Steinback told Judge Frederick Kapala.

Edward Bachner pleaded guilty last year to possession of a biological agent, wire fraud and filing a fraudulent tax return.

"The love story Becca and I have shared over 21 years has never been more strong, more solid. ... There's no one I'm more honored to call my best friend and my wife," he told the court through tears.

He said "personal demons" stemming from childhood insecurities led to his actions.

Bachner was given credit for the 52 months he has already spent behind bars since his arrest.