Man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following Vigo County drug investigation

By Lucy Perry

Indiana Central News



An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking-related charges following a Vigo County investigation.

Steven Francis, 56, was sentenced in federal court Monday in Terre Haute. He will serve the time in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and laundering of monetary instruments. He will also be on probation for four years following his release from prison.

Overall, eight firearms, ammunition, and more than $160,000 in cash were seized during the investigation. 

According to the Southern District of Indiana U.S. Attorney's Office, the Vigo County Drug Task Force began investigating Francis for methamphetamine distribution in the summer of 2020. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also began working the case. 

Officials say Francis attempted to send a large amount of cash from his methamphetamine sales to California in 2021. The package contained around $20,000.

Later, investigators executed a search warrant at two addresses associated with Francis.  Drugs,  guns and large amounts of cash were seized from the buildings during the searches. Officials point out that, in Francis’ residence alone, investigators found five handguns, two AR-style rifles, a loaded 100-round drum magazine and more than $86,000 in cash.

It's noted that Francis had prior felony convictions in 2003 for possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine in two separate cases, which prohibit him from possessing firearms.


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