PHOENIX, Ariz. — An Iranian national and his wife pleaded guilty last week after a tense June confrontation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at their Tempe home.
Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 41, admitted to being an alien unlawfully in possession of firearms and ammunition, while his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a naturalized U.S. citizen, admitted to threatening federal officers during the incident.
According to court documents, ICE officers went to the couple’s residence on June 21 to make contact with Eidivand. Prosecutors say he was found to be in possession of two firearms, which is prohibited under federal law for those in the country illegally.
Meanwhile, Vartanniavartanians allegedly confronted officers outside her home, threatening to shoot anyone who tried to enter. In her plea, she admitted making multiple threats — including telling officers she had a loaded gun in her hand.
Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 26 before U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell. Eidivand faces up to 15 years in prison, while Vartanniavartanians could face up to 10 years.
The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI’s Phoenix Division as part of the Justice Department’s “Operation Take Back America” initiative.
