Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Aaron Dequawn Hardy, also known as "Detroit J" and "John," 29, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 10, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled delivery of a package to its mailing address in Huntington. Officers found the package had contained 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and removed the methamphetamine before the controlled delivery. Officers arrested Hardy when he showed up at the mailing address to retrieve the package.

Hardy is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-49.

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