Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo man has pled guilty in federal court to narcotics conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and the discharge of firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime.
35-year-old Gregory Hay, a/k/a "Gunner", pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, as he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and possibly life imprisonment and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on Dec. 10.
Between early 2016 and Aug. 28, 2019, Hay conspired with co-defendant Alphonso Payne and others, to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. The conspiracy began with Hay selling drugs in the Salamanca area, before moving his operation to the Olean area, where he used Payne to assist him with selling drugs.
In April 2017, Hay's vehicle was stopped by Buffalo Police and in May 2017, his vehicle was stopped by Salamanca Police. Buffalo officers seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, while Salamanca officers seized a quantity of marijuana and a digital scale.
In May 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Hay's residence, seizing two firearms, several magazines, ammunition, a digital scale, cash, and several cell phones. Hay used social media to display himself with firearms, letting others know that he could protect himself, his drugs, and his money.
The conspiracy continued to operate until Hay was arrested in July 2019.
Following his arrest, Hay believed that an individual named Joshua Jalovick provided information to law enforcement that led to the search of his residence and subsequent arrest. As a result, Hay, Payne, and another co-conspirator wanted Jalovick dead.
On July 1, 2019, Hay and Payne lured Jalovick to a residence on Freund Avenue, where Payne fired approximately 11 rounds of ammunition toward Jalovick, striking him several times. Hay initially ran down the driveway, but then ran back toward Jalovick, stood over his body, and shot Jalovick five times.
According to the Erie County Medical Examiner Report, Jalovick died from more than 15 gunshot wounds. Afterwards, Hay disposed of the murder weapons and his cell phone.
Payne was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
