Feds Indict Norwich Man For Drug, Firearms Offenses

NORWICH, CT—Daniel Francois, aka 'Bear,' has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a three-count indictment charging him with firearm possession and drug trafficking offenses, according to a statement released by the US attorney's office.

The indictment says 29-year-old Francois of Norwich distributed crack cocaine, and had two .380 caliber pistols "in connection with his drug trafficking activity," authorities said adding he has felony robbery and drug convictions.

The new charges against Francois are one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of crack, which carries a maximum 20 years in prison, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a 10-year sentence, and one count of possession of a firearm "in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime," which comes with a mandatory five years.

Francois has been in jail since he was arrested May 20, 2019.

The case was investigated by the the Ledyard and Norwich Police Departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from Connecticut State Parole.

This prosecution has been brought though Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.