Fermanova, a 24-year-old cosmetology student, allegedly violated the Arms Export Control Act after attempting to take $15,000 worth of high-tech equipment without proper export licenses to Russia, according to CNN.
Fermanova was allowed to complete her trip to Moscow, but was arrested after her return to suburban Plano, Texas. She was released the next day on $50,000 bail.
“Fermanova stated that she had purchased the scopes online,” an affidavit pertaining to her arrest warrant read.
When questioned about the federal regulations related to night-vision equipment, Fermanova told Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents that she had “signed something about that” but was unsure of “what she was signing,” according to the affadavit.
Scott Palmer, Fermanova’s attorney in Dallas, maintains that his client was not involved in espionage.
"There's no terrorist connection," Palmer told CNN. "She is not a spy. The items were intended to be sold to a family friend for hunting purposes."
Fermanova – who will be arraigned in New York, where the equipment was confiscated – intends to plead not guilty, Palmer said.
Palmer will not rule out the possibility of negotiating a plea with the government, he said.
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