Fairbanks man indicted on federal gun charges

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Thursday that Bradley Kruger, 20, of Fairbanks, has been indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

According to state court documents, on July 27, 2020, Kruger was stopped by Alaska State Troopers for a traffic violation. During the stop, Troopers observed loose ammunition on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Kruger self-identified that he was on felony probation and his probation officer requested a search of Kruger and the vehicle for prohibited weapons and controlled substances.

During the search, Troopers located drugs and drug paraphernalia, a loaded Smith and Wesson 22 caliber pistol, 2 loaded AR15 magazines, and a backpack containing a pry bar, bolt cutters, screwdriver and wire snips. Further investigation revealed the pistol had been reported as lost one week earlier. Kruger has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing firearms. If convicted on the federal charges, Kruger faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Doty.