Chesco man gets 4-year sentence for deals with Iran

A Chester County chemical engineer who conducted illicit business deals with Iran was sentenced today to four years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe imposed the penalty on Ali Amirnazmi, a dual U.S. and Iranian citizen who ran TranTech Consultants Inc., an Exton business specializing in software for chemical companies.

The 66-year-old, former Berwyn resident was convicted last year on charges that included violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act - which authorized sanctions against Iran - making false statements to government officials, and bank fraud.

The judge said she weighed many factors in fashioning the sentence, including the need to deter Amirnazmi and others from committing similar crimes. She also ordered five years of supervised release for Amirnazmi after the prison term. He already has served about 18 months.

"This defendant's behavior must be monitored - and monitored closely," Rufe said.

In a rambling, half-hour address earlier in the proceeding, Amirnazmi repeated his insistences that he was misunderstood and that he did not deliberately break any U.S. laws.

"Trust me, your honor, I haven't lied," Amirnazmi said. "I have made mistakes in my approach."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen A. Miller described Amirnazmi, who was prone to courtroom outbursts, as a narcissistic, unrepentant liar committed to boosting Iran's chemical prowess.

Miller, who argued for a sentence in the guideline range - eight years in prison - said Amirnazmi's lack of contrition over his 12 years of criminal activity mandated substantial jail time.

Defense attorney Elizabeth K. Ainslie, who lost her arguments to lower the sentencing-guideline range recommended by the probation office, urged the judge to use discretion.

The fact that Amirnazmi was a productive, law-abiding citizen for many years made him deserving of a sentence of time served, she said.

In addition to Amirnazmi, she presented three witnesses, including the defendant's daughter, Solmaz. "I know that the father I know is not a lawbreaker," Solmaz Amirnazmi said.