Buffalo man pleads guilty to role in killing of federal informant – Finger Lakes Daily News

A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in the murder of a federal informant.

Gregory Hay, aka Gunner, aka Franklin Gambino, aka Reggie, also pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, possession of a weapon in furtherance of drug trafficking, discharging a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, alleged that between early 2016 and August 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, NY area before moving his operations to the Olean area, where he used co-defendant Alphonso Payne to assist in selling drugs. In April 2017, Hay's vehicle was stopped by Buffalo police, and in May 2017, his vehicle was stopped by Salamanca police. Officers in Buffalo seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, while officers in Salamanca seized a quantity of marijuana and a digital scale. In May 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Hay's residence and seized two firearms, several magazines, ammunition, a digital scale, cash, and several cell phones. Hay used social media to show himself with firearms and let others know he could protect himself, his drugs, and his money. The conspiracy continued until Hay was arrested in July 2019.

After 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, Alphonso Payne, and another co-conspirator wanted Jalovick dead. On July 1, 2019, Hay and Payne lured Jalovick to an apartment on Freund Avenue, where Payne fired approximately 11 rounds of ammunition at Jalovick, hitting him multiple 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 Coroner's report, Joshua Jalovick died from more than 15 gunshot wounds. Afterward, Hay disposed of the murder weapons and his cellphone.

Alphonso Payne has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The confession is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. Additional assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Secret Service under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb.

The verdict is scheduled for December 10.

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