Shahram “Shawn” Sheikhan, a controversial figure from the original mid-2000s poker boom, is facing formal sentencing after reaching a plea deal with federal authorities on drug distribution charges. Sheikhan, known for his high-profile poker appearances, pled guilty in June 2022 for his involvement in operating an unlicensed cannabis distribution business in Southern California. His sentencing is set for April 7, 2023.
Poker Fame and Legal Trouble
Sheikhan rose to poker fame in 2005, when he made the final two tables of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event. He was involved in an infamous verbal exchange with Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, which added to his notoriety. Sheikhan finished in 11th place, earning $600,000, which remains his career-best score. Despite this success, Sheikhan’s poker career has been overshadowed by legal issues.
In the years following, Sheikhan played in the NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship and won a special “Trash Talkers” edition of Poker After Dark, earning a total of $270,000 across these appearances. However, his poker fame was followed by involvement in illegal activities.
Cannabis Distribution Charges
In 2022, Sheikhan pled guilty for his role in running “Cannaland,” an unlicensed cannabis business operating from 2019 to 2022. The operation supplied cannabis products to other unlicensed dispensaries, particularly around San Diego. Federal agents raided the Spring Valley, California location in April 2021, where they seized over 3,000 pounds of marijuana worth more than $6 million. The authorities also found five firearms and discovered that Sheikhan and his co-defendant, Sabriana Williams, coordinated the procurement of firearms for security guards at the dispensary.
The investigation also uncovered a separate incident involving the seizure of more than 100 pounds of unlicensed marijuana. Together, the pair distributed over 6,600 pounds (3,000 kilograms) of cannabis products during the course of their operation.
Financial Consequences
During the investigation, authorities also discovered $109,000 in cash linked to Sheikhan, which was forfeited as part of his plea deal. As a part of the agreement, Sheikhan faces a fine of at least $5 million in addition to the possibility of a prison sentence. The charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.
Delayed Sentencing
Sheikhan was originally scheduled for sentencing on February 3, 2023, but his legal team, the prestigious Las Vegas law firm Chesnoff and Schonfeld, successfully negotiated for a delay until April. The delay was granted due to Sheikhan and his mother’s health issues. This additional time also allows for further objections to be raised concerning the court’s pre-sentencing investigation.
A Complicated Legal History
Sheikhan’s legal history is as complex as his poker career. In 1995, he was convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery on a child under 18 and served nine months in prison. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security attempted to deport Sheikhan due to his criminal conviction, but his attorneys successfully fought the deportation, allowing him to remain in the U.S. as a resident alien.
In addition to his poker pursuits, Sheikhan has operated tattoo parlors and tobacco outlets in the Las Vegas area. He also made a brief return to poker during the 2022 WSOP, where he made Day 2 of the main event but did not cash.
