John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a three-count indictment charging DANIEL FRANCOIS, also known as “Bear,” 29, of Norwich, with firearm possession and drug trafficking offenses.

The indictment was returned on June 19, 2019, and Francois was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven.

The indictment alleges that, on May 20, 2019, Francois distributed crack cocaine, and that he possessed two Davis model P-380 .380 caliber pistols in connection with his drug trafficking activity.

The indictment further alleges that Francois has been previously convicted of felony robbery and drug offenses.

The indictment charges Francois with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years.

Francois has been detained since his arrest on May 20, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Ledyard and Norwich Police Departments, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.

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.