Drug charges dropped against ex-Lynn man

SALEM – Prosecutors were forced Tuesday to drop drug charges against a former Lynn man because of insufficient evidence.Jesus G. Franco, 37, of 34 Perkins St., Salem was scheduled for trial this week in Salem Superior Court on charges of trafficking over 28 grams of cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school zone as well as possession of marijuana and ammunition in connection with his arrest two years ago.Assistant District Attorney John B. Brennan reported to Judge Howard J. Whitehead that the state is dropping all the charges because they are “unable to meet its burden of proof due to insufficient evidence.”Franco was arrested April 12, 2006 following a drug raid at a single-family home located at 105 Linwood Rd., in Lynn, within yards of the Tracy Elementary School.Lynn Dug Task Force members under the direction of Lt. Daniel Fee received a tip and went to the Linwood Road home at about 4:30 p.m. with a warrant.During the search, police said they seized over 70 grams of cocaine, a large amount of marijuana and 14 rounds of ammunition.Franco denied the charges and maintained he did not have any connection to the Linwood Road address. He has been free on $7,500 cash bail since being arraigned in January of 2007.