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An Orange, Texas, resident has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, which led to a fatal overdose, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas announced.
Lawrence Duguett Hardin, Jr., 39, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On April 1, 2025, U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone handed down the 20-year sentence.
Fatal Overdose and Investigation
On August 17, 2023, law enforcement responded to an overdose death in Humble, Texas. An autopsy confirmed the victim died from fentanyl toxicity.
A detailed investigation traced the deadly substance back to Hardin.
Authorities later searched Hardin’s home in Orange, uncovering 365.2 grams of a fentanyl-laced substance.
“This case underscores the deadly impact of fentanyl distribution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those responsible for spreading this lethal drug.”
The case was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),Orange Police Department,Houston Police Department,West Orange Police Department,Bridge City Police Department,Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4,Jefferson County Crime Laboratory, and Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and Rachel Grove led the prosecution.
Authorities urge the public to report drug-related crimes.
Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas offers up to a $1,000 reward for anonymous tips. Call 833-TIPS (8477) or use the P3Tips app to report information securely.
