A couple from Iran, where the husband is in the country illegally, is facing prison time after a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents resulted in threats in Tempe, prosecutors stated on Tuesday.
Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 41, pleaded guilty to an alien in possession of firearms and ammunition, while his wife, 37-year-old Linet Vartanniavartanians, a naturalized US citizen, pleaded guilty on Thursday to threats against a federal law enforcement official.
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On June 21, ICE agents arrived at their Tempe home to speak with Eidivand, who had two guns that he was not allowed to possess because he was in the United States illegally.
Vartanniavartanians informed the ICE authorities that if anyone entered her home, she would shoot them. “As I previously stated, I have a loaded gun,” prosecutors say.
When asked where the gun was, she replied, “In my hand right now.”
She also allegedly stated, “I go outside the backyard, and I’ll just shoot them in the head.”
Eidivand faces up to 15 years in jail for possessing the firearms. Vartanniavartanians face up to ten years in prison for making threats. Because of the plea agreement, both are expected to receive a reduced sentence.
Sentencing is planned for November 26.
