Brooklyn grocery store owner shot during attempted robbery in Park Slope

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.