Maya McIntosh, a 33-year-old resident of Albany, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to more than eight years in federal prison for her role in conspiracies to manufacture and distribute MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid. The charges also included distribution and possession with intent to distribute the substance and unlawful possession and use of a means of identification.
Authorities said McIntosh began manufacturing the drug no later than January 2023 and continued through July 2024. She ordered chemicals used to make MDMB-4en-PINACA, which were shipped to her home and that of a coconspirator. According to court documents, she processed the chemicals at her residence to create the synthetic drug in liquid form. She then sprayed or soaked copy paper and business envelopes with the liquid.
McIntosh mailed these papers—disguised as legal mail by stamping real attorneys’ names without their knowledge—using U.S. Priority Mail Express envelopes addressed to inmates at various New York State correctional facilities. She sold the drug-soaked sheets via social media, receiving payment from customers who wanted them sent into prisons.
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), said: “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,” adding: “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, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Buffalo said: “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,” continuing: “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,” stating further: “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 after McIntosh completes her sentence; she must also forfeit more than $42,000 gained from her criminal activity.
The investigation involved several agencies including USPIS; Homeland Security Investigations 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; as well as support from Albany Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted this case.
