Venezuelan Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Immigration and Firearms Crimes Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont Dateline: Burlington, Vermont Date: 29 August 2025 Subjects: American Government , Crime, Motorcycles Topic: Interstate Highway System

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 27, 2025, Julio Cesar Romero-Paredes, 47, of Venezuela, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 24 months’ imprisonment. Romero-Paredes previously pleaded guilty to illegally entering the United States and possessing a firearm as someone who had illegally entered the United States.

According to court records, just before 1:00 am on November 7, 2024, Romero-Paredes drove his motorcycle around the barriers near the Haskell Library in Derby Line, Vermont. United States Customs and Border Protection Officers thereafter stopped Romero-Paredes riding the motorcycle southbound on Interstate 91. In a search of Romero-Paredes’s person and the motorcycle, law enforcement found: a Walther .22 caliber pistol, multiple firearm magazines, a suppressor, approximately 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, approximately 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition, multiple knives, handcuff keys, and a collapsible baton. Romero-Paredes, who is a citizen of Venezuela, later admitted to law enforcement that he was illegally in the United States.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of United States Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn. Romero-Paredes was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.

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Updated August 29, 2025