Maya McIntosh, a 33-year-old resident of Albany, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to more than eight years in prison for her role in manufacturing and distributing the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA. The sentencing followed her guilty plea to charges that included conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances, as well as unlawful possession and use of a means of identification.
According to federal prosecutors, McIntosh’s activities took place from at least January 2023 through July 2024. She ordered chemicals used to produce MDMB-4en-PINACA, which were shipped to her home and that of a coconspirator. She then processed these chemicals into liquid form at her residence and applied the substance onto copy paper and business envelopes. These items were mailed via U.S. Priority Mail Express to inmates in various New York State correctional facilities.
Authorities said McIntosh disguised the mailings as legal correspondence by stamping the names of real attorneys—without their knowledge—on the return address portion of the envelopes. She also sold these drug-soaked papers using social media platforms, receiving payment from customers who directed her to send them to specific inmates.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “Maya McIntosh endangered the health and safety of hardworking corrections officers and prison staff when she manufactured a synthetic drug and smuggled it into correctional facilities through the U.S. Mail. Now she will spend 8 years behind bars herself. I’m grateful for the collaboration between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Department of Correction Special Investigation Unit, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York that achieved this result.”
Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), commented on law enforcement efforts: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to combat drug trafficking. McIntosh’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort to keep contraband out of the U.S. Mail and in this case, out of correctional facilities,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “When the U.S. Mail is used to transport illegal drugs, it is taken very seriously. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating and bringing to justice, those who use it illegally.”
Erin Keegan from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo noted: “Maya McIntosh utilized brazen and deceptive methods to ship and smuggle synthetic narcotics into New York State correctional facilities, endangering correctional employees and others exposed to these harmful substances. This sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Buffalo. “I commend HSI Albany personnel and our partners with the USPIS, the New York City Department of Correction, and the Northern District of New York, for ensuring that Ms. McIntosh faces the consequences of her actions.”
NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie added: “Maya McIntosh’s sentencing should stand as a warning to anyone seeking to introduce contraband into prisons and jails: we will find you and you will be punished,” said NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie. “The violence and loss of life prevented by the vigilance of the dedicated DOC staff who identify and investigate the presence of illegal substances in our jails cannot be understated. I commend these staff, and partners at DOCCS, USDOJ, and the U.S. Postal Service, for this coordinated effort to successfully stem the tide of dangerous substances entering our jails.”
In addition to imprisonment, Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr., imposed three years’ supervised release following incarceration for McIntosh as well as forfeiture exceeding $42,000 obtained from criminal proceeds.
The investigation involved several agencies including USPIS; HSI Buffalo Field Office; New York City Department of Correction Special Investigation Unit; HSI New York Field Office; New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision; Albany Police Department; with prosecution led by Assistant U.S Attorney Matthew J McCrobie.
