Michigan’s “Detroit J” Pleads Guilty To West Virginia Federal Drug Crime

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 1:00 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- A 29-year-old Pontiac, Michigan, man learned he could be spending the rest of his life in federal prison when sentenced early next year, after pleading guilty on Monday to attempting to distribute over four pounds of methamphetamine within the Southern District of West Virginia.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, on Monday, September 22, 2025, Aaron Dequawn Hardy, also known as “Detroit J” and “John,” 29, of Pontiac, Michigan, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers to Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of a Controlled Substance containing Methamphetamine.

When Sentenced, Hardy Could Be Facing Up To Life In Federal Prison

     Following entering his guilty plea on Monday, Judge Chambers accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2025. At that time, Hardy faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

According To Court Documents

     According to the charging information filed with the District Court, on February 10, 2023, Investigators from the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted a controlled delivery of a package to its mailing address in Huntington, West Virginia.

     Investigators found the package had contained 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and removed the methamphetamine and replaced it with a facsimile substance before the controlled delivery. Investigators arrested Hardy when he showed up at the mailing address to retrieve the package.

     Acting U.S. Attorney Johnston commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department, which led to Hardy’s arrest and Monday’s guilty plea.