A Fairbanks resident, George Romero, 37, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing firearms and body armor while on parole. Following his release, he will serve three years of supervised release.
Romero was on parole after a 2006 state felony conviction for murder, assault, and robbery. On June 4, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued against him for violating parole conditions. Two days later, law enforcement officers found Romero at a Fairbanks residence. Officers observed him loading camping gear into a vehicle and later carrying supplies toward a tree line near the area.
Law enforcement intervened at that point. SWAT officers gave verbal instructions which Romero largely followed before being taken into custody. During the arrest and subsequent search, officers discovered body armor, multiple firearms, handgun magazines, loose ammunition on Romero’s person, and another pistol in his bag.
A federal grand jury indicted Romero on November 20, 2024 for being a felon in possession of a firearm and as a violent felon in possession of body armor. He was convicted by a jury on all charges on April 4, 2025.
“Mr. Romero is a violent felon who repeatedly disregards the law and remains a serious threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Fortunately, the recent interaction with law enforcement did not escalate, and this sentence ensures the community will be safeguarded from the defendant for another decade. This sentence reflects the gravity of his crime and sends a strong message that those who illegally possess firearms and related supplies—especially individuals with violent histories—will face severe federal penalties.”
“George Romero has consistently demonstrated defiance to authority and a lack of respect for the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Romero, a convicted felon, armed himself with multiple firearms, ammunition and body armor and fled to avoid arrest for a parole violation. FBI Anchorage will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to keep our communities safe.”
“George Romero has a long and violent history, and his decision to arm himself with multiple firearms and body armor while on parole showed once again the threat he posed to Alaskans,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “This sentence ensures that he will no longer endanger our state. The Alaska State Troopers remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and ensure public safety across our great state.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Alaska State Troopers; Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT); FBI Anchorage Field Office; Fairbanks Resident Agency; as well as ATF Anchorage Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorneys David Bernhardt and Lauren Weed from the Antitrust Division.
