Joshua Hardin, Meth Conspiracy, Missouri 2019

Joshua Hardin, a 29-year-old man from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

On November 25, 2019, Hardin pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from October 16, 2018, to June 3, 2019. This is where the meth conspiracy unfolded, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.

On October 30, 2018, Hardin was in a vehicle that was stopped by Kansas City police officers. Officers seized a bag that contained 371.38 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle’s driver and a stolen Glock handgun from the floorboard directly behind the driver’s seat. Hardin had 6.8 grams of methamphetamine and 5.22 grams of marijuana in his pockets.

But that was not the only time Hardin was caught with methamphetamine. On October 16, 2018, officers were called to a homeowner’s residence after the homeowner reported seeing Hardin walk out from behind a shed on his property. The homeowner’s wife then found a bag of methamphetamine behind the shed, and the homeowner contacted the police. Hardin admitted the methamphetamine belonged to him.

The case against Hardin is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine on our communities. The conspiracy to distribute this deadly drug is a serious crime that carries severe consequences.

Hardin’s sentence is a reflection of the severity of his crimes. He will spend the next 10 years in federal prison without parole, a fate that could have been avoided had he chosen a different path.

This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to combat the scourge of methamphetamine in our communities. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Kate Butterfield prosecuted the case, while the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department conducted the investigation.

As the Grimy Times continues to shed light on the dark underbelly of crime, we remain committed to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The people have a right to know the truth, and we will continue to deliver the hard-hitting journalism that our readers deserve.

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