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Man convicted in animal cruelty case reaches plea deal on marijuana charges

Posted: Oct 31, 2012 1:29 PM by Melissa Anderson - MTN News

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A Jefferson County man found guilty of 91 animal cruelty charges has reached a plea agreement regarding federal marijuana charges.

Mike Chilinski must still show up in federal court, but has agreed to vacate a jury trial set that had been set for November 5.

Grand jury charges allege that he knowingly manufactured 100 or more marijuana plants on or about October 12, 2011, with the intent to distribute.

Upon conviction of the offenses, Chilinski will have to forfeit all his personal property, including land, that was used in the violations.

Chilinski is currently in custody in the Jefferson County jail where he awaits sentencing on the animal cruelty charges.

More than 160 malamutes were seized last year shortly after a search warrant was issued.

He faces up to 40 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine for growing the marijuana.

He faces an additional five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for possession with intent to distribute.

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