Canadian convicted of ecstasy possession after high-speed chase in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Canadian man was convicted in Nebraska on Tuesday of drug possession.

A jury in federal court found John Francis, 23, guilty of possession of ecstasy with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm while trafficking drugs.

The charges stemmed from a high-speed chase on Interstate 80 in March 2023, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Francis was driving a Chevy Tahoe in Seward County and refused to pull over for a deputy, authorities said.

He sped off to the west and led law enforcement on a 50-mile chase that spanned three counties, topping 100 mph.

Deputies and Nebraska state troopers laid spike strips across I-80, deflating three of the SUV’s tires and bringing it to a stop.

Francis got out and lay face down in the median, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Authorities found a duffle bag on the passenger seat that had about 6.65 pounds of ecstasy.

There was also a loaded handgun in the cupholder, authorities said, and Francis had more than $6,000 in cash.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bazis set Francis’ sentencing for Feb. 6.

He could face up to life in prison.