MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A 47-year-old Absecon man was sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison on Tuesday for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation based out of the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, authorities said.
Michael E. Hayes received the sentence from the Honorable Donna Taylor, J.S.C., for second-degree conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Hayes also agreed to forfeit $6,417.50 in seized U.S. currency. His new sentence will run concurrently with the 60-year prison term he is currently serving for first-degree robbery, home invasion, and related offenses. Under the No Early Release Act, Hayes must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
The drug charges stem from a search warrant executed on December 16, 2020, as part of a home invasion investigation involving Hayes. Members of the Atlantic County HIDTA Task Force, Franklin Township Police Department, and Atlantic City Police Department SWAT searched Hayes’ secondary residence in room 1921 at the Showboat Hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Investigators recovered approximately 12.6 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 4.8 grams of suspected fentanyl/heroin, and an array of drug production materials, including digital scales, cutting agents, vacuum sealers, mixers, and empty heroin folds. Additionally, a fully loaded 50-round high-capacity ammunition magazine containing hollow-point bullets was found in the hotel room. Evidence such as payment receipts and mail bearing Hayes’ name linked him to the room.
Hayes’ sentence adds to the extensive prison term he is already serving, underscoring his involvement in significant criminal activity in Atlantic County. The investigation was conducted by the Atlantic County HIDTA Task Force and local law enforcement agencies.