Iranian man to undergo mental testing

Friday, Aug. 19, 2005 | 9:04 a.m.

The 23-year-old Iranian man who on Aug. 1 allegedly claimed to be Osama Bin Laden's cousin before displaying an inert grenade on a bus will undergo a psychological evaluation to determine whether he is competent to stand trial and whether he poses a threat to the community.

Meanwhile, authorities said they are continuing to investigate whether Eman Zaeri is linked in any way to terrorists.

Zaeri allegedly threatened to blow up an employee transfer bus headed to Buffalo Bill's in Primm on Aug. 1. He is charged with one felony count of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism. The charge carries a sentence that can be as little as probation or as much as six years in prison.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace William Jansen on Thursday scheduled a hearing for Sept. 8 to review the findings of the psychological evaluation and also to revisit the question of bail for Zaeri. Zaeri will continue to be held on no bail until that time.

Jansen said he ordered the evaluation because he considers "this a very serious matter" and he thinks "there may be other circumstances involved."

"Homeland Security is still investigating this case and if any information arises that he is connected with any terrorist cell I want to know about it," Jansen said.

Members of Metro's Homeland Security unit confirmed Wednesday that they are involved in an ongoing investigation into Zaeri but would not elaborate as to the specifics of the investigation.

Zaeri's preliminary hearing is still set for Oct. 25, but that could change as a result of the evaluation.

Although Zaeri has been in the United States legally for the past two years the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement Department has said if he is convicted of the current charge he could be subject to deportation.