Hall County Attorney Martin Klein and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have announced a felony charge in relation to medical marijuana petitions in Nebraska.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said Friday a statewide investigation continues into “several thousand signatures” collected on ballot initiative petitions, just hours before a key deadline to include them on the November ballot.

Egbert was charged with false swearing to a circulator’s affidavit on a petition under Neb. Rev. Stat. 32-1546 (2). The penalty for a Class IV felony ranges from probation to a maximum of two years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Klein said he felt it was important to file the charges to maintain the integrity of the election process.