Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

DES MOINES, Iowa - Three men were sentenced to federal prison for their role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

According to public court documents, three men were involved in fentanyl distribution in the Des Moines metro throughout 2024: Chuol Peter Mai, 32, of Des Moines, Rickey Raymone Hayes, also known as "Dee," of Des Moines, formerly of Detroit, and Keith Holliday, 35, of Detroit. In 2024, law enforcement purchased fentanyl pills from Mai using a confidential informant. Mai introduced the confidential informant to Hayes, Mai's drug source of supply. Hayes directed Holliday to distribute the fentanyl pills to the confidential informant. In June 2024, Hayes' vehicle and Des Moines residence were searched and law enforcement located more than $21,000 in cash in his vehicle, and a firearm and more than 200 grams of fentanyl at his residence.

Mai was sentenced on April 2, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison. After completing his term of imprisonment, Mai will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release.

Hayes was sentenced on March 28, 2025 to 150 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

Holliday was sentenced on April 17, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.