Canadian convicted on drug, weapon charges after I-80 chase

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Canadian man was convicted on drug and firearm charges by a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, on November 13, following a high-speed chase on Interstate 80. John Francis, 23, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr announced.

Francis faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, with the possibility of life. U.S. District Judge Susan M. Bazis set sentencing for February 6, 2025.

The charges stem from a March 4, 2023, incident in which Francis fled a traffic stop initiated by a Saline County Sheriff's Deputy. The ensuing 50-mile pursuit, spanning three counties, reached speeds over 100 mph before officers deployed spike strips, disabling Francis's vehicle.

Upon his surrender, authorities discovered a loaded handgun in the vehicle's cupholder and a duffle bag containing 6.65 pounds of MDMA in crystalline form. Over $6,000 in cash and additional evidence of drug trafficking were also found in the vehicle.

The case was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and Lincoln Police Department.