Robert E Quinn has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of making false statements to agents investigating a trade embargo case involving the shipment of forklift parts to Iran.

Sentencing is scheduled for 6 November in the US District Court in Washington.

Under a plea agreement between Quinn and the government, prosecutors moved to dismiss a conspiracy count and five counts of violating US economic sanctions. As reported previously, a jury convicted Quinn on the charges in 2005, and he was sentenced to 39 months in prison. The conviction was overturned in March 2008 after it was learned government attorneys withheld an email beneficial to Quinn's defence.

The shipments were destined for Sepahan Lifter Co, of Esfahan, Iran, and were sent during 2003 on 28 March, 20 August, 20 October, 3 December and 18 December. The trans-shipments of replacement parts from Clark Material Handling Co of Lexington, Kentucky were sent to Iran indirectly through Sharp Line Trading in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The government will not seek jail time for Quinn, who was a Clark vice president. It is expected that Judge John D Bates will sentence Quinn to probation.

Prosecutors offered a plea agreement rather than pursue a new trial.

Quinn has re-entered the material handling industry as a consultant and manufacturers' representative. Quinn and Associates in Lexington represents makers of sweepers, scrubbers, tyres and forklifts.