Noteworthy that he claimed that when talking to an investigator prior to being charged. We'll see if he's willing to make the same claim in court. (He's apparently representing himself...)
>talking to an investigator prior to being charged
Isn't lying to a federal investigator also a crime? Searching suggests 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
That tracks. BASE jumping and representing yourself share a common philosophy towards risk.