Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
A Venezuelan man has been sentenced to two years in prison for immigration and firearms offenses, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Julio Cesar Romero-Paredes, 47, received a 24-month sentence from United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier on August 27, 2025. He had previously pleaded guilty to illegally entering the United States and possessing a firearm while unlawfully present in the country.
Court records show that on November 7, 2024, just before 1:00 am, Romero-Paredes drove his motorcycle around barriers near the Haskell Library in Derby Line, Vermont. Officers from United States Customs and Border Protection stopped him as he was traveling southbound on Interstate 91. During a search of both Romero-Paredes and his motorcycle, law enforcement discovered a Walther .22 caliber pistol, several firearm magazines, a suppressor, about 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, roughly 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition, multiple knives, handcuff keys, and a collapsible baton. Romero-Paredes later admitted to law enforcement officials that he was in the United States illegally.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher stated: "I commend the collaborative investigatory efforts of United States Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives."
The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn. The defense was handled by Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.
