Buffalo man pleads guilty to murder of federal informant, drug and weapons offenses

BUFFALO, NY — A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to his role in the murder of a federal informant as well as several drug and weapons offenses, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Friday.

Gregory Hay, also known as Gunner, Franklin Gambino and Reggie, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, possession of a weapon in furtherance of drug trafficking and discharging a firearm causing death in furtherance of violent crimes and drug trafficking. The charges carry a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is prosecuting the case, stated that Hay, along with co-defendant Alphonso Payne and others, plotted to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and heroin from early 2016 until August 28, 2019. Initially, Hay operated in Salamanca, NY, before expanding his drug distribution activities to the Olean area, where he enlisted Payne to assist in drug sales.

In April 2017, Buffalo police stopped Hay's vehicle and seized quantities of marijuana, cocaine, crack, and heroin. A month later, Salamanca police also stopped Hay's vehicle and seized marijuana and a digital scale. A search warrant executed at Hay's residence in May 2019 resulted in the seizure of two firearms, several magazines, ammunition, cash, a digital scale, and several cell phones. During this time, Hay used social media to show himself with firearms, signaling his ability to protect his drugs and money.

The criminal conspiracy continued until Hay's arrest in July 2019. After his arrest, Hay became convinced that an individual named Joshua Jalovick had provided information to law enforcement, which led to the search of his home and his subsequent arrest.

On July 1, 2019, Hay, Payne, and another co-conspirator lured Jalovick to a residence on Freund Avenue. Payne fired approximately 11 shots at Jalovick, hitting him multiple times. As Jalovick lay wounded, Hay initially ran down the driveway, but then returned, stood over Jalovick, and shot him five more times. The Erie County Coroner's report confirmed that Jalovick died from more than 15 gunshot wounds. After the murder, Hay disposed of the firearms used in the killing and threw away his cellphone.

Hays is pending sentencing. He faces a minimum of five years in prison, up to life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case is part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the Western District of New York.

ALBANY, GA — A Columbus man with previous drug convictions has pleaded guilty in federal court after he drove his car into a fire station and was found in possession of a stolen firearm and illegal drugs.

Joseph Harold Taylor, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Aug. 20 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Taylor now faces a minimum sentence of five years to life in prison, followed by three years of probation and a possible fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not been set, and under federal law, parole is not possible.

The incident occurred on March 15, 2023, shortly before 2 a.m., when Taylor crashed his car into Fire Station 11 on Warm Springs Road in Columbus. Columbus Police officers responded to the accident and found that Taylor, who was uninjured and the only occupant of the sedan, had veered off the road, collided with the fire station, and struck a fire department employee's truck.

During the investigation, officers noticed a bullet hole in Taylor's vehicle and smelled marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a 21-round high-capacity magazine on the driver's side floor. A bag containing cocaine, suspected marijuana and other items commonly associated with drug trafficking was also found inside the vehicle. Taylor, who has two previous drug convictions, was arrested at the scene.

“It is fortunate that no one was injured when the defendant crashed his car into a fire station and that police were able to remove a stolen firearm with a high-capacity magazine from the streets of Columbus,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe and complying with federal law, especially when it comes to offenders caught with stolen assault weapons.”

ATF Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka emphasized law enforcement's commitment to ensuring criminals face serious consequences for illegally possessing firearms. Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis also emphasized the danger posed by Taylor's actions: “Joseph Taylor's reckless actions put lives at risk. Possession of a stolen firearm with a high-capacity magazine while participating in illegal drug activities is a serious threat to our community.”

OCEAN CITY, MD — Ocean City Police are asking the public for help in identifying a suspect involved in a theft at an amusement park near 29th Street. The incident occurred today, August 24, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m.

According to police, the suspect, who was photographed on surveillance cameras, is believed to have stolen two wallets from a locker at the park. The department is currently actively investigating the theft and is seeking any information that could help identify the individual in question.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the incident is asked to contact PFC Koser at [email protected] or call 410-723-6610.