Sentencing for counterfeit semiconductors case delayed

The sentencing of two Newport Coast men who pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit electronics to the U.S. Navy was pushed back until at least November, federal officials said Wednesday.

Mustafa Aljaff, 30, and Neil Felahy, 32, could be sentenced to 2.5 years and three years in federal prison, respectively, for selling counterfeit semiconductors to the military that were not military grade.

Semiconductors are tiny integrated circuits used in everything from medical equipment to aircraft. Military-grade semiconductors must withstand greater vibration and temperature extremes. If these semiconductors fail, they can keep their devices from turning on or off, and as a result the devices can catch fire.

The men pleaded guilty in January to selling more than $140,000 worth of the electronics to the Navy. The parts were shipped in from China and were fraudulently labeled military grade.

The men are due back in court for future scheduling Nov. 17.