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BOSTON, Mass. — A North Andover man is facing federal charges in connection with the alleged armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Danvers, Massachusetts, where prosecutors say prescription medications were stolen at gunpoint during a May 2026 incident.
According to federal authorities, Gareth Francis, 45, has been charged with one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Francis is currently being held in pretrial custody on related state charges in Salem District Court. Federal officials stated that he will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to charging documents, the incident occurred on May 11, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m. Prosecutors allege that Francis entered the CVS Pharmacy wearing a ski mask, carrying a black plastic bag and armed with a firearm.
Authorities allege that after discovering the pharmacy access door was locked, Francis pointed a firearm at a pharmacy technician before climbing over the pharmacy counter and entering the restricted medication area.
Federal prosecutors further allege that Francis confronted pharmacy employees and demanded access to narcotics stored within the pharmacy. According to investigators, he threatened to shoot pharmacy personnel if they did not comply with his demands.
Court documents state that pharmacy staff gathered various bottles and packages of prescription medications and placed them into a bag at Francis’s direction. Prosecutors allege that he repeatedly demanded access to a narcotics safe and continued making threats toward employees during the incident.
Authorities allege that the situation ended when a cellphone alarm sounded inside the pharmacy. According to court filings, Francis reportedly told an employee that she was “lucky” before leaving the store through the same rear entrance he had used to enter.
Law enforcement officers responding to the robbery quickly encountered a suspect fleeing the area. According to prosecutors, an officer observed Francis running from the rear of the building and ordered him to stop. Authorities allege that he ignored commands and fled on foot.
Investigators state that a foot pursuit followed and ended when an officer tackled Francis in the street. During the ensuing struggle, authorities allege that Francis attempted to raise a firearm while resisting arrest. The officer ultimately disarmed him and maintained control until additional officers arrived.
Law enforcement recovered a loaded 9mm handgun, multiple ammunition magazines, and a bag containing the allegedly stolen prescription drugs, according to court records.
Federal prosecutors also noted that Francis has prior federal convictions involving firearms offenses, including providing false information in connection with firearm purchases and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Pharmacy robberies involving controlled substances continue to be a concern for law enforcement agencies across the United States. Such crimes often place pharmacists, technicians, customers, and responding officers at significant risk while also contributing to the illegal distribution of prescription medications.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Danvers Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The charges remain allegations. Francis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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What an awful incident. I’m glad that it didn’t get worse. If they find this man guilty of doing the things described in this article and as a felon in possession of a firearm, the result should be a lengthy sentence with supervision after.
Thank you for this article and the other articles published today, John. I hope you have a great evening!
You’re very welcome, Chris.
I absolutely agree. Thankfully, no one was killed during the incident. If the evidence ultimately supports the charges in court, I also agree that it should carry serious consequences.
Thank you again for taking the time to read and comment, Chris. I hope all is well, and I hope you have a great evening as well. 😎
You’re welcome, John, and thank you for this good reply. I am also very thankful that no one was killed during this robbery. Hopefully, this will all be dealt with in a just manner.
All is well here, thank you. It is beginning to get humid in Arkansas but that’s expected. No complaints here. I hope you and yours are well and wish you all the best.
Very nice.
Thank you very much. 😎