A federal jury in New Haven has found Willie Franco, 36, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The verdict was announced by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. The trial commenced on February 20 and concluded with the guilty verdicts this afternoon.
Court documents revealed that Franco was previously sentenced in August 2016 to 80 months in prison for distributing crack cocaine and heroin. He was released from federal custody in December 2020. However, an investigation initiated in December 2021 by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration indicated that Franco had resumed narcotics trafficking activities alongside his then-girlfriend, Daniella Fox.
The investigation uncovered that parcels suspected of containing narcotics were mailed to addresses linked to Franco and Fox from Arizona and California starting around July 2021. Additionally, two overdose deaths in Branford and Guilford in August 2021, as well as one in Milford in September 2021, were associated with Franco's drug operations.
During the trial, evidence showed that investigators intercepted a parcel intended for an East Haven address connected to Franco and Fox in early March 2022. A court-authorized search revealed approximately one kilogram each of cocaine and fentanyl inside the parcel. On March 7, a controlled delivery led to the arrest of Franco and Fox after they retrieved the package.
A subsequent search of their New Haven residence resulted in the seizure of over one kilogram of fentanyl, crack cocaine, digital scales, narcotics packaging paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 pistol with an obliterated serial number, a drum extended magazine for a high-capacity rifle, a bulletproof vest, ammunition, and more than $300,000 cash.
Cellphones seized from Franco contained hundreds of videos depicting his drug trafficking activities and firearm possession; several were presented as evidence during the trial.
The jury convicted Franco on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking; and unlawful firearm possession by a felon. Sentencing is pending but could result in a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years up to life imprisonment.
Franco remains detained following his arrest. Fox has pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics Task Force and DEA with support from local police departments across Connecticut.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Hal Chen are prosecuting the case.