Tallahassee police raided the apartment of Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois after they suspected he was selling marijuana. Francois was the subject of surveillance and investigation for two months after police received an anonymous tip that he was selling marijuana.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Tallahassee police open an investigation into Francois after they received a tip that the QB possessed marijuana with the intent to sell. The Sentinel reports that the anonymous male tipster, who was inside Francois’s apartment in late February, claims he saw a large paper grocery-type bag full of cannabis.
Following the tip, Tallahassee Police opened an investigation into Francois, however, when TPD concluded its investigation of Francois and executed search warrant conducted at his apartment on Thursday, April 12, they found only 17 grams of marijuana.
Francois, a former Orlando Olympia High standout, was not arrested and offered the chance to participate in a pre-trial diversion program after the search. He was not expected to play in FSU’s spring game last week and was present on the sidelines for the game.
Francois’ garbage was collected and examined on Feb. 27, a date in the beginning of March, March 27 and April 3, according to the search warrant. The location of Francois’ home prevented TPD from conducting constant surveillance, according to the warrant. But TPD believed the discarded garbage showed evidence of ongoing criminal activity at Francois’s apartment.
When TPD conducted its search of Francois’ apartment on Thursday, during which his girlfriend Diamond Lindsey was present, police smelled marijuana coming from inside the apartment and found the 17 grams of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia less than two feet from Francois’ bed.
In Francois’ apartment, police found multiple plastic bags with cannabis residue, innards of blunt cigars, a Bob Marley grinder, an instant drug test cup, three vials of pain medication, two iPads with broken screens, three iPhones and an FSU student ID card for running back Zaquandre White.
In lieu of being arrested and charged, Francois must do community service and avoid any criminal activity for a designated time as part of the diversion program.