Chenango County Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Drug and Firearm Offenses

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jonas Whaley, age 37, of Chenango County, New York, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division; Chenango County District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese; New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli; Chenango County Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr.; and Broome County Sheriff David E. Harder.

As part of his earlier guilty plea, Whaley admitted that he possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Whaley further admitted that he possessed two pistols and a revolver, which he used in furtherance of his drug trafficking to protect himself, the drugs he planned to distribute, and drug proceeds.

United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Whaley to serve a 4-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release and the forfeiture of $3,600 in drug proceeds.

This case was investigated by ATF, New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.