Joshua M. Riley, a 46-year-old resident of Hamilton, Ohio, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for crimes related to narcotics and firearms. The sentencing took place in the U.S. District Court.
Court documents reveal that Riley was involved in receiving large quantities of narcotics through the mail at his home on Symmes Avenue, using fictitious names for both sender and recipient. In November 2022, law enforcement intercepted a package intended for Riley's address containing over two kilograms of methamphetamine.
A subsequent search of Riley's residence led to the discovery of approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, 40 pounds of marijuana, cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, high-end jewelry, and $18,500 in cash. Authorities also found at least 15 firearms illegally possessed by Riley. Among these were four firearms reported as stolen and one with an obliterated serial number.
In July 2024, Riley pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl along with cocaine and marijuana. He also admitted to illegal firearm possession due to his status as a previously convicted felon.
While detained during this case, Riley was repeatedly caught smuggling drugs into Butler County Jail.
The sentence was announced by Kenneth L. Parker from the Southern District of Ohio's U.S. Attorney’s Office; Lesley Allison from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones. Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Dornette and Timothy D. Oakley represented the prosecution.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation aimed at disrupting high-level drug traffickers through collaboration among various law enforcement agencies.