Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced today (8-17-23) that Hernandez J. Hayes (DOB 5/7/74), of Manhattan, was sentenced to 15 years incarceration in a state correctional facility plus 5 years post-release supervision stemming from an incident that took place on March 12, 2023 in the Town of Halfmoon, Saratoga County. Hayes pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a “Class A-1” Felony, in the Saratoga County Court before Judge James A. Murphy, III. Hayes was arrested as part of an investigation into drug dealing activities taking place across multiple counties after a search warrant was executed on his vehicle, which showed that he had more than 465 grams of cocaine and 16 ounces of fentanyl pills in his possession.
DA Heggen stated, “In this case, the defendant drove to New York City to buy cheap drugs and come up to the Saratoga area and sell to addicts at a significant markup. In early 2023, however, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office began conducting an extensive investigation using tips and other techniques, which led to the arrest of Hayes. This case sends a strong message that while true addicts need treatment, the fact remains that true drug dealers need prison. Hayes fit squarely in the latter category, preying on those with addictions.”
DA Heggen also lauded the work of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Narcotics team for their thorough investigation work. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jesse Ashdown.