United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BALTIMORE – A federal jury convicted Paul Alexander, a/k/a David Paul Hayes and "Shorty," age 47, of Hanover, Maryland, on five federal charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substances—specifically fentanyl, possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. 

The guilty verdict was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

“More people die of opioid overdoses than murder in Maryland, while drug dealers spend their profits on luxury cars and jewelry,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “Fentanyl dealers, like Paul Alexander, sell death and despair and dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution. We’re also targeting drug dealers who use guns and increase the risk of gun violence in Maryland.  Working together with our local, state, and federal partners, we are determined to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths in Maryland.”

According to the evidence presented at his five-day trial, from April 2018 through January 2019, Paul Alexander distributed large amounts of fentanyl in and around the Baltimore area.  An 11-month investigation by DEA into Alexander’s drug trafficking activities, resulted in the seizure of more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl—enough fentanyl to kill 5 million people—and more than $4 million in cash from Alexander’s car and apartments Jan. 2, 2019.

The evidence showed Alexander distributed fentanyl on several occasions to a Baltimore County drug trafficker in 2018.  In addition, observed conducting narcotics-related transactions with another drug dealer, and surveillance video at his apartment complex revealed that Alexander used several vehicles to store and deliver drugs.  The evidence proved that Alexander utilized vehicles and residences in the names of relatives and associates in furtherance of his drug trafficking operation.

Witnesses testified that the DEA and Anne Arundel County police executed search warrants  Jan. 2, 2019, at two apartments associated with Alexander.  Law enforcement testified that they recovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine that contained 24 rounds of ammunition, multiple bags filled with over $4 million in cash, jewelry, and narcotics distribution paraphernalia. 

The government also seeks the forfeiture of more than $4 million in cash seized during the investigation, three luxury vehicles, seven Rolex watches, two Cartier bracelets with diamonds, a diamond tennis bracelet, and two designer bags,.

Alexander faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for the conspiracy; a maximum of life in prison for each of two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; life in prison for possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; and ten years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.   U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for January 3, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong, of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division commends the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance.  Fong would also like to thank U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew DellaBetta and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner, who are prosecuting the case.
 

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