Man Denies Airport Weapons Charges
A Yorba Linda man accused of trying to carry a loaded gun and other weapons aboard a flight out of John Wayne Airport pleaded not guilty in federal court Monday to three felony counts.
The trial for Ali Reza Khatami, 65, is set to begin Sept. 7.
Khatami could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of all three counts of trying to carry a concealed weapon aboard an aircraft, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Greg Staples.
Khatami has said he forgot about the weapons in his bag. Defense attorney Ben Wasserman did not immediately return phone calls Monday seeking comment.
On June 24, Khatami was arrested after trying to board a plane bound for Washington, D.C., with a .38-caliber handgun, a knife and 10 hypodermic needles, Staples said.
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