BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to his role in the murder of a federal informant, as well as multiple drug and firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced on Friday.
Gregory Hay, also known as Gunner, Franklin Gambino, and Reggie, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to narcotics conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and the discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, with a maximum possible 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, conspired 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 selling drugs.
In April 2017, Buffalo Police stopped Hay’s vehicle and seized quantities of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. A month later, Salamanca Police also stopped Hay’s vehicle, seizing 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 multiple cell phones. Throughout this period, Hay used social media to display himself with firearms, signaling his ability to protect his drugs and money.
The criminal conspiracy continued until Hay’s arrest in July 2019. Following his arrest, Hay became convinced that an individual named Joshua Jalovick had provided information to law enforcement, leading to the search of his residence 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 rounds at Jalovick, striking 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 Medical Examiner’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 discarded his cell phone.
Hay is scheduled for sentencing, where he could face the mandatory minimum of five years in prison, up to life imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case is part of the ongoing effort by law enforcement to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the Western District of New York.
