Romero Gets 10 Years: Armed Felon Back in Federal Lockup

FAIRBANKS, AK – George Romero, 37, is heading back to prison for a decade. The Fairbanks man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal lockup, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing multiple firearms and body armor—a blatant violation of his parole. Romero’s history is steeped in violence, and this sentence aims to keep him off the streets and away from potential victims.

The trouble began June 4, 2024, when a warrant was issued for Romero’s arrest for violating the terms of his parole. Romero was already a convicted felon, having served time since 2006 for a particularly nasty combination of murder, assault, and robbery in Alaska state court. Law enforcement caught up with him two days later, June 6th, at a Fairbanks residence. They found him prepping to disappear into the woods, loading camping gear into a vehicle.

Romero attempted to evade capture, driving to a nearby intersection where he began hauling the gear—and something else—toward the tree line. He was sporting a camouflage poncho, and officers quickly realized he wasn’t just going for a hike. When law enforcement moved in to apprehend him, Romero mostly complied with their commands. But a search of his person revealed the extent of his preparation: body armor, multiple firearms, handgun magazines, and a stockpile of loose ammunition. Another pistol was found stashed inside the bag he was carrying.

A federal grand jury in Alaska indicted Romero on November 20, 2024, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and a violent felon in possession of body armor. The jury didn’t hesitate, delivering a guilty verdict on all charges April 4, 2025. The judge, in delivering the 10-year sentence, made it clear: protecting the community from Romero’s dangerous actions was paramount.

“Mr. Romero is a violent felon who repeatedly disregards the law and remains a serious threat to our communities,” stated 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.”

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT), FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency, and ATF Anchorage Field Office. Rebecca Day, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office, emphasized Romero’s consistent defiance of authority, while Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes highlighted the clear danger Romero posed to Alaskans. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek, along with Trial Attorneys David Bernhardt and Lauren Weed, successfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Romero will be held accountable for his actions.