Maya McIntosh, a 33-year-old resident of Albany, has pled guilty to multiple charges related to the manufacturing and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids. The charges include conspiracies to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and its analogue, as well as unlawful possession and use of a means of identification.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to the plea agreement, from January 2023 through July 2024, McIntosh was involved in the production and distribution of MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid. She ordered chemicals needed for its creation which were delivered to her residence and that of a coconspirator. McIntosh manufactured the substance at her home by combining these chemicals into a liquid form. This liquid was then applied onto copy paper and business envelopes.
To send these documents into correctional facilities in New York disguised as legal mail, McIntosh used U.S. Priority Mail Express envelopes stamped with real attorneys' names without their knowledge or consent. The aim was to make it appear that the parcels contained legitimate legal paperwork instead of illegal substances.
Social media platforms were utilized by McIntosh to sell the soaked papers and envelopes. Her clients paid her to send these MDMB-4en-PINACA-laden documents to inmates.
McIntosh faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count along with fines up to $1 million for drug-related counts and $250,000 for other charges. She also risks supervised release ranging from three years to life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge considering various legal guidelines.
The case is being investigated by USPIS and HSI with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie leading the prosecution.