Des Moines Sun

Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy in Des Moines, Iowa. According to public court records, the three men, identified as Chuol Peter Mai, Rickey Raymone Hayes, and Keith Holliday, were active in the fentanyl trade in the metro area throughout 2024.

The court documents explain that law enforcement officials bought fentanyl pills from Mai with the help of a confidential informant. Mai subsequently introduced the informant to Hayes, who was identified as his drug supplier. Hayes instructed Holliday to provide the fentanyl pills to the informant. A search conducted in June 2024 of Hayes' vehicle revealed over $21,000 in cash. Additionally, a firearm and more than 200 grams of fentanyl were found at his Des Moines residence.

On April 2, 2025, Chuol Peter Mai was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. Upon release, Mai will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Rickey Raymone Hayes received a sentence of 150 months in prison on March 28, 2025, and will also undergo a five-year supervised release after serving his time.

Keith Holliday was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on April 17, 2025, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. It should be noted that federal sentences do not include parole options.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentences. The case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.