MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) – A 23-year-old man identified as Joseph Wharton has been arrested in connection with a major marijuana trafficking operation in McLean County, according to Illinois State Police.
Wharton is accused of selling nearly 20 pounds of marijuana to an undercover informant during four separate transactions between July 10 and August 1. All alleged deals occurred in the Home Depot parking lot in Normal, Illinois.
Authorities said Wharton had been transporting large quantities of marijuana from the Chicago area to McLean County. Following his arrest, investigators reportedly seized an additional 42 pounds of marijuana, drug packaging equipment, multiple firearms, and over $100,000 in cash.
The investigation also uncovered misconduct by the informant working with police. After the fourth drug buy, the informant allegedly confessed to stealing over $10,000 from the operation and hiding it in his car.
The case remains under investigation by state and local law enforcement.
