Bethlehem Coke Dealer Gets 7 Years

SCRANTON, PA – Clyford Francois, a 38-year-old man from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is headed to federal prison for nearly eight years. United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion handed down an 87-month sentence on March 16, 2017, after Francois pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and illegally possessing two firearms connected to his drug trafficking operation.

The bust went down during a routine traffic stop where officers discovered Francois carrying over 12 grams of cocaine, along with a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun and a Titan .25 caliber pistol. Authorities also seized $612 in cash. Francois readily admitted to intending to sell the cocaine and confirmed the money was, in part, profit from previous drug deals. This wasn’t some small-time operation; he was actively pushing poison and armed to protect his business.

Francois initially faced a grand jury indictment on December 15, 2015. He ultimately struck a plea agreement with prosecutors, entering a guilty plea on September 6, 2016. He’s been cooling his heels in jail ever since his initial arrest, waiting for the judge to deliver the inevitable. The streets of Bethlehem are a little safer with him locked up, but there’s always another dealer waiting to fill the void.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hanover Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo led the prosecution, building a solid case against Francois and securing the significant sentence. These agencies aren’t messing around when it comes to firearms and narcotics; they’re sending a clear message to anyone involved in this dangerous trade.

This case falls under the umbrella of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP), a district-wide initiative spearheaded by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The VCRP is a coordinated effort bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement to target and prosecute individuals involved in violent crime, particularly those wielding firearms. It’s a multi-agency approach aimed at stemming the tide of violence plaguing communities.

Francois’s sentence serves as a harsh reminder that dealing drugs and carrying illegal firearms comes with serious consequences. While 87 months might seem like a long time, it’s a price he’ll pay for endangering the public and profiting from addiction. The Grimy Times will continue to track federal cases like this, bringing you the unvarnished truth about crime in America. # # #