Attorney for Iranian released by presidential pardon speaks to abc13

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Bahram Mechanic is back home with his family in Houston for the first time in nine months after allegations he violated U.S. trade agreements.

The 69-year-old is accused of violating U.S. trade sanctions, having an Iran based company with a sister company based in the city of Houston. The company builds power supplies and mechanic designs. Last year, he was indicted on charges he illegaly exported millions of dollars in U.S. technology to Iran.

Mechanic was one of seven men released as part of the pardons by President Obama in exchange for four Americans.

His attorney, KTRK legal analyst Joel Androphy, claims the government believed he was a threat to national security but had no evidence.

"All he was doing was selling surge protectors. He was a businessman like anybody else selling computer equipment, no different than you buying down the street from Wal-Mart," Androphy said. "Except he had an operation in Iran."

Mechanic has dual citizenship but lives in Houston.

The executive order nullified all of the charges against him.