Ohio resident sentenced for receiving drugs through the mail

OHIO — A Hamilton man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Joshua M. Riley, 46, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 180 months behind bars after admitting to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.

According to court records, Riley arranged for bulk shipments of narcotics to be mailed to his home on Symmes Avenue in Hamilton via the U.S. Postal Service.

In November 2022, authorities intercepted a package addressed to Riley containing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine.

A subsequent search of Riley’s residence uncovered approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, 40 pounds of marijuana, cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, $18,500 in cash, and high-end jewelry.

Investigators also found 15 illegally possessed firearms, including an Akdal Arms 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun and a Hi-Point nine-millimeter rifle.

Four of the firearms had been reported stolen, and another had an obliterated serial number.

In July 2024, Riley pleaded guilty to charges of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.

He also admitted to illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon.

While in custody, Riley was repeatedly caught smuggling drugs, including suboxone strips and amphetamines, into the Butler County Jail.

The case was prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which targets high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison, and Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones.

Riley’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David P. Dornette and Timothy D. Oakley prosecuted the case.