Gareth Francis, 45, of North Andover, has been charged in federal court in Boston in connection with the armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Danvers, Massachusetts, in May 2026. He allegedly robbed the store of various prescription drugs at gunpoint.
Francis was charged on June 17, 2026, with one count of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, known as Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently held in pretrial custody on state charges in Salem District Court and will make his initial federal court appearance at a later date.
According to charging documents, on May 11, 2026, Francis, wearing a ski mask and carrying a firearm, allegedly entered the pharmacy, pointed his gun at staff, and demanded access to the narcotics safe. He then allegedly forced pharmacists to retrieve various prescription drugs, which he placed into a bag.
An officer arriving at the scene saw Francis flee the rear entrance and pursued him on foot. A physical struggle ensued when the officer tackled Francis, during which Francis allegedly attempted to raise a silver firearm toward the officer. The officer disarmed and controlled Francis until additional officers arrived, recovering a loaded 9mm firearm, multiple magazines, and the stolen drugs.
Francis has prior federal convictions for providing false information in connection with firearms purchases and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Hobbs Act robbery charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while being a felon in possession of a firearm carries up to 15 years. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.