Orange County Man Guilty of Trafficking Deadly Fentanyl

BEAUMONT, Texas - An Orange, Texas, man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.

Lawrence Duguett Hardin, Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on September 5, 2024.

According to information presented in court, on August 17, 2023, a 22-year-old woman died in Humble, Texas, as a result of fentanyl exposure. An investigation revealed Hardin sold drugs to the woman containing fentanyl, resulting in her death. During a search of Hardin's residence, law enforcement officers seized 365.2 grams of fentanyl and 323.8 grams of cocaine.

Hardin faces up to 40 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentences prescribed by Congress are provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; Orange Police Department; Houston Police Department; West Orange Police Department; Bridge City Police Department; Harris County Constable's Office Precinct Four; Jefferson County Laboratory; and Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.