$5 Million Fine for Chenango County Drug Dealer

A Chenango County man is to be sentenced in August to prison time and a multi-million dollar fine after admitting to having several firearms to protect himself as he was dealing drugs.

Federal Prosecutors say 36-year-old Jonas Whaley pleaded guilty April 25 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

The United States Attorney’s office says Whaley admitted to having two pistols and a revolver for protection for himself and his drugs that he was dealing in the Southern Tier region.

Whaley also agreed to turn over 12 additional firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers and $3,600 in drug sale proceeds.

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Prosecutors say the Chenango County man faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison, at least four years of probation if he is released and a maximum fine of $5-million.

The investigation was conducted through efforts of the Justice Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.