Fat Daddy’s Smoke Shop case finally wrapping up in Yates County

The prosecution of six individuals implicated in the raids of ‘Fat Daddy’s’ smoke shops across several counties in New York is nearing conclusion, according to Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella.

The Finger Lakes Times reported over the weekend that Christopher Golden Jr., of Painted Post, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of criminal possession of cannabis and a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy. He agreed to a plea deal that includes forfeiture of over $30,000, a fine of over $11,000 to the state Department of Taxation and Finance, and sentencing to “shock probation,” a combination of probation and potential short jail time.

The raids, which occurred last year, resulted in the seizure of 114 pounds of marijuana, over $250,000 in cash, a considerable amount of concentrated synthetic marijuana, and several illegal weapons from Fat Daddy’s locations in Penn Yan, Watkins Glen, Elmira, and Penfield.

These retail operations were part of the ‘sticker shop’ debate, which continues to unfold across New York State. The state’s Cannabis Control Board and other law enforcement agencies have been working to crack down on these entities. But their legal standing remains complicated.

Staff Report

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