2 file objections to government destroying seized weapons

Both the wife and the victim of former Russellville physician Randeep Mann filed objections Friday to a request that 93 weapons seized from Mann be turned over to the federal government for destruction.

Mann is serving a life sentence in connection with a 2009 grenade explosion that permanently injured Dr. Trent Pierce, the then-chairman of the state Medical Board.

Both Sangeeta “Sue” Mann and Pierce objected to the destruction on the grounds that the weapons have monetary value that can benefit them.

“Although neither Randeep nor Sangeeta Mann are legally permitted to possess these items themselves … she has a marital interest in the property and is entitled to half of whatever value may be obtained in a sale of the items,” Little Rock attorney Jeff Rosenzweig wrote on Sangeeta Mann’s behalf.

Pierce, who at the time of the explosion was the chairman of the Medical Board, which was investigating a new round of complaints against Mann, said he has “both a legal and an equitable interest as a victim” who nearly died and was left with permanent injuries as well as substantial medical expenses.

While “significant sums” have been paid to Pierce as a result of a June 15, 2011, restitution order, “substantial sums remain unpaid,” wrote attorney Robert Cearley Jr. on Pierce’s behalf.

On Aug. 9, 2010, a federal jury convicted Randeep Mann of numerous charges related to the explosion and convicted Sangeeta Mann of obstructing the federal investigation into the explosion, which occurred outside Pierce’s West Memphis home.

Sangeeta Mann served a year in prison and paid a $50,000 fine, while her husband is serving a life sentence and owes a $100,000 fine in addition to more than $1 million in restitution to Pierce and the insurance companies that covered his medical care and property damages.