ALBANY, NY – Charles J. Whorley, 35, formerly of Schenectady, New York, is headed to federal prison for six years after pleading guilty to a multi-faceted drug and weapons charge. Whorley was sentenced today to 72 months for possessing and intending to distribute both fentanyl and crack cocaine, and for illegally possessing firearms while furthering his drug trafficking operation.
The case, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and New York State Police (NYSP), revealed a stash of 94 grams of fentanyl and 77 grams of cocaine base discovered at Whorley’s Schenectady residence on June 25, 2020. Investigators determined Whorley was actively distributing a fentanyl mixture throughout June 2020, peddling poison on the streets of the Capital Region.
What sealed Whorley’s fate wasn’t just the drugs themselves, but the firepower he kept on hand. Three loaded handguns were recovered from the residence, which Whorley readily admitted were intended to protect his drug supply and the cash he raked in from his illegal enterprise. As a previously convicted felon, Whorley was already prohibited from possessing any firearms.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman announced the sentencing, highlighting the collaborative effort of federal and state law enforcement. “This sentence sends a clear message: those who flood our communities with deadly drugs and arm themselves to protect their criminal activity will face significant consequences,” she stated. Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito of the ATF and Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli of the NYSP echoed that sentiment.
Whorley’s sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, isn’t just about locking him up for 72 months. He’ll also face a three-year term of supervised release upon his eventual release from prison, a measure intended to monitor his behavior and prevent recidivism. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted the case, building a solid case against the Schenectady drug dealer.
The investigation was conducted under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses on targeting the most dangerous offenders and partnering with local programs to address the root causes of crime, offering a holistic approach to public safety. This case serves as a stark reminder that the federal government, alongside its state and local partners, is actively working to dismantle drug trafficking networks and remove dangerous individuals from the streets.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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