Willie Franco, 37, of New Haven, has been sentenced to 280 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven.
According to court records and statements made during the proceedings, Franco had previously been convicted in August 2016 for distributing crack cocaine and heroin. That case also involved a fatal heroin overdose in January 2015 in East Haven linked to Franco’s activities. He was released from federal prison in December 2020.
Authorities began investigating Franco again in 2021 after observing renewed narcotics trafficking activity involving him and his then girlfriend, Daniella Fox. Investigators found that parcels suspected of containing drugs were mailed from Arizona and California to addresses associated with Franco and Fox. Further investigation connected three overdose deaths—two in Branford and Guilford in August 2021, and one in Milford in September 2021—to drugs distributed by Franco.
In March 2022, law enforcement intercepted a parcel destined for an address linked to Franco and Fox. A search revealed about one kilogram each of cocaine and fentanyl inside the package. After making a controlled delivery on March 7, authorities arrested both individuals when Fox retrieved the package outside an East Haven residence. A subsequent search of their New Haven home led to the seizure of more than one kilogram of fentanyl, crack cocaine, digital scales, packaging materials, a loaded Glock .40 pistol with its serial number removed, an extended rifle magazine drum, a bulletproof vest, ammunition, and over $300,000 cash.
Analysis of cellphones seized from Franco uncovered hundreds of videos showing him engaged in drug trafficking activities and possessing firearms. In some recordings intended for his suppliers, he complained about the potency of fentanyl provided: “Franco complains that the fentanyl is not strong enough and says he needs fentanyl strong enough to kill people.”
Franco has remained detained since his arrest. On February 26, 2025, a jury convicted him on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force—which consists of members from multiple federal agencies as well as state police departments—and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Local police departments also assisted with the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Hal Chen prosecuted the matter.
“David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,” announced these details.