BOSTON — The wife of a Natick man accused of conspiring to send sensitive technology to Iran that was later used in a fatal drone attack in Jordan has sent a letter to a federal judge, pleading for her husband’s release.
Narjes Mohavdi Tabrizi, wife of Mahdi Sadeghi, sent the letter to U.S. District Court Judge Donald Cabell in support of a motion by Sadeghi’s lawyer, Jessica Thrall, to release Sadeghi on bond.
In her letter, Tabrizi wrote about her life with Sadeghi, from when they first met to their marriage 15 years ago to now, as parents of two young children.
“Together, we embarked on a beautiful journey from the beginning, sharing not only love but an unbreakable bond that transcended friendship,” Tabrizi wrote. “We weren’t just spouses — we were best friends and partners in every sense of the word, always working together toward are shared goals.”
Sadeghi is charged with four counts of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations.
Tabrizi wrote that Sadeghi was always there for her, through the births of their two children, miscarriages and post-partem depression, never wavering in his support.
“Mahdi is many things — a kind soul, passionate, adventurous, a diligent learner, a thoughtful observer — but above all, he is a family man,” Tabrizi wrote. “A son, a brother, and above all, an incredible father and partner. The bond between him and our children is something rare and beautiful.”
Suspect’s wife says that for children, ‘it’s been a struggle’
Tabrizi said since her husband’s arrest on Dec. 16, their children have had difficulty adjusting to the change in their lives. She said their older son is working with counselors at school while their younger son, who is in preschool, often cries during the morning and at night, missing his father.
“There’s a deep ache when I think about the separation, and though I know we are working toward healing, I can’t help but mourn the distance between them,” Tabrizi wrote. “It’s been a struggle — a heartbreaking one — but we’re trying to navigate through it, holding on to hope that, soon, Mahdi comes back, and our sons will feel safe and happy again.”
Federal authorities allege that Sadeghi had conspired with another man, Mohammad Abedini, since 2016 to illegally leak U.S. technology, including materials used in unmanned drones. Abedini, authorities say, owns a company in Iran that has ties to terrorism.
That technology, federal authorities allege, was used in part in an attack last Jan. 28 at a U.S. military base in Jordan. The attack killed three U.S. Army soldiers and injured 47 others. Investigators were able to track parts from a destroyed drone to Abedini’s company in Iran.
Prosecutors argue suspect has dual citizenship, has incentive to flee
Tabrizi’s letter was among dozens in support of Sadeghi from people from throughout the United States submitted to the court by Thrall.
Thrall requested that Sadeghi be released, arguing in a motion filed in court that he is not a flight risk. He is a U.S. citizen, and his wife and children are here and he would not leave them, she wrote in her motion. He has no criminal record.
But prosecutors argued Sadeghi and his family have dual citizenship with Iran, a country known to go to “great lengths” to help its citizens who face criminal charges in the United States. They also argued Sadeghi has text messages dating back to 2016 that acknowledge he knew he was breaking the law.
The motion argued that Sadeghi is facing 20 years in prison for each count and that is a strong incentive to flee the country.
Cabell took the motion under advisement. Sadeghi will remain held without bail until the judge rules on the motion.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.