The Columbia businessman sentenced to three years in prison for violating U.S. sanctions will serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
In 2009 Dr. Shakir Hamoodi pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating U.S. sanctions against Iraq.
Between 1991 and 2003 Hamoodi sent more than $200,000 dollars to his family in his native country. Investigators found no evidence his financial contributions were aiding the Iraqi government, and Hamoodi’s lawyers asked for probation.
In May 2012 U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey sentenced Hamoodi to three years in prison. Beginning in August of that year he served 28 months at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Earlier this month, Hamoodi was released to a half-way house in Columbia before returning to his south Columbia home this week where he will serve the remainder of his sentence – ending April 7 – under house arrest.
