An Eagle River man was sentenced on Mar. 10 to ten years in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon during an incident of domestic violence.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of repeat offenders using firearms in domestic violence situations, raising concerns about community safety and the enforcement of federal gun laws.
According to court documents, Anchorage police responded in November 2023 after a bystander helped a female victim who had escaped from an assault. The victim reported that Kyle Reynolds, age 28, strangled her, slashed her vehicle's tires, threatened her with a pistol, and took her phone to prevent her from calling for help. Police arrested Reynolds the same day and recovered both the knife used on the tires and a handgun from his truck.
After his arrest, Reynolds allegedly called his mother and co-defendant, Elizabeth Chardome, age 68, instructing her to break into his residence and secure another firearm. Court documents state that Chardome knowingly purchased the firearm used in the assault for Reynolds despite being aware he was prohibited from owning guns. Prior to this incident, Reynolds had felony convictions for assault and failing to stop at the direction of peace officers resulting in injury. He is also described as a repeat domestic violence offender.
Reynolds was charged by complaint on April 22, 2024 with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. On August 21, 2024, both Chardome and Reynolds were indicted by a federal grand jury related to the November incident. Chardome faces charges of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and is scheduled for trial on April 27, 2026.
During sentencing, Reynolds was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
“Mr. Reynolds’ extensive criminal history reflects repeated abuse of women and a persistent disregard for the law,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “This sentence sends a clear message that violent crimes committed with prohibited firearms will be met with significant penalties under federal law. I commend the survivor’s remarkable courage and the swift actions of law enforcement in holding Reynolds accountable.”
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions. Mr. Reynolds escalated an already dangerous domestic violence situation with a firearm he was prohibited from possessing,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division. “When someone with a history of violence chooses to arm themselves, both the victim and community are at even greater risk. Our agency will continue to prioritize protecting survivors and ensuring that those who repeatedly commit acts of violence face meaningful consequences.”
The case was investigated by the ATF Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
