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Sheikhan Faces Deportation to Iran
Sheikhan Faces Deportation to Iran
September 27, 2007 - Domenica DiPiero
Sheiky (Credit: Wikipedia) 
Shahram "Shawn" Sheikhan could find himself deported back to his homeland of Iran. The "bad boy" of poker, who is known for both his aggressive play and table tactics, was arrested at his Las Vegas home on August 30, 2007. The 38 year old pro was "held for more than a week at the North Las Vegas Detention Center before being released on a $10,000 bond." according to the "Las Vegas Review-Journal".
Sheikhan, who's wife is American-born, emigrated to the US in 1983. In 1995, Sheikhan served nine months in prison and was put on probation for five years. He was convicted of a misdemeanor sexual battery charge. The Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) has an "ongoing initiative called Operation Predator targeting individuals, including foreign nationals, who prey upon and sexually exploit children."
The child in this case was 17 years old and an acquaintance of the 20-something-year-old Sheikhan. As Sheikhan's lawyer, David Chesnoff, who interestingly enough represented Bruce Crispin Leyser in his 2006 suit against former WSOP Main Event champ, Jamie Gold, said, "There’s a lot of work to be done on his behalf that’s going to be done. He’s a good husband and a good father, and a lot of people have problems when they’re young that shouldn’t follow them for the rest of their lives.”
Chesnoff and his team are looking into whether Sheikhan, who is a legal permanent resident, received adequate legal counsel regarding that case. A hearing has been set for October 23rd.
