Iran Arms Figure Tries New Plea

One of two purported ringleaders in an operation that smuggled stolen Navy jet fighter parts to Iran surprised a federal judge today by asking to withdraw his guilty plea.

Edgardo Agustin could have been sentenced to up to 27 years in prison on his plea to four counts involved in the theft and illegal export of the parts. Agustin’s attorney, Lonn Berney, told Judge Leland Nielsen that he knew nothing of Agustin’s intention until five minutes before today’s scheduled sentencing hearing. The judge said he was not likely to allow the plea to be withdrawn but set a hearing on a motion to consider the withdrawal for Dec. 22.