A Pontiac man has admitted to a foiled plan to open fire at a high school graduation in Oakland County, pleading guilty Tuesday to a slate of weapons charges tied to last June’s scare at the United Wholesale Mortgage Sports Complex.
Prosecutors say Jamarion Hardiman and a co-defendant showed up to the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac commencement with loaded guns in tow. The weapons were ultimately seized by deputies in the parking lot after a fight broke out, short-circuiting what officials feared could have turned into something far worse. With the plea, Hardiman is now set for sentencing on April 14, while his co-defendant is scheduled to be back in court March 3.
Hardiman, who initially pleaded not guilty, has now admitted to carrying a firearm with unlawful intent, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon, according to ClickOnDetroit. The outlet reports he changed his plea on Tuesday and is expected to learn his punishment in mid-April.
How deputies say the plan unfolded
According to WNEM, surveillance footage reviewed by deputies and venue security showed Hardiman and 19-year-old Deahveon Whaley getting into a fight inside the arena, then heading out to a vehicle. Investigators say the two retrieved weapons and were later spotted crouching between parked cars before stashing packages underneath vehicles.
Deputies ultimately recovered two loaded firearms - described in reporting as an AR-style pistol and a Glock - each fitted with 40-round magazines. Officials also said they were not able to verify an alleged Snapchat threat that had been reported during the ceremony.
Arrests and court timeline
Oakland County deputies say Whaley was arrested at the scene, while Hardiman was picked up three days later as the investigation unfolded. Both men were arraigned on multiple weapons counts and received cash bonds, and a judge ordered them not to return to the sports complex or contact one another if released, as detailed by FOX 2 Detroit.
Charges and possible penalties
The charges Hardiman admitted to are not minor. Carrying a firearm with unlawful intent and carrying a concealed weapon each carry potential prison terms of up to five years, plus fines. Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony adds a mandatory two-year sentence that must be served consecutively, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors have said additional charges could still be filed if investigators are able to confirm the alleged social media threat tied to Snapchat.
Community impact and next steps
The case has stirred up familiar fears about school safety in Oakland County, a community already on edge when it comes to guns and campuses. As quick reporting and a coordinated law-enforcement response reportedly showed last year, fast action from those on the ground helped ensure the graduation did not turn into a tragedy, per Hoodline.
Investigators are still asking anyone who may have screenshots or firsthand knowledge of the alleged Snapchat post to contact the sheriff’s office as they continue piecing together exactly what happened before the guns were intercepted in the parking lot.
