PONTIAC (WWJ) -- Two people have been charged in connection with an alleged plot to commit a mass shooting at a high school graduation ceremony.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald charged 20-year-old Jamarion Hardiman and 19-year-old Dhaeveon Whaley with three weapons charges.
On June 3, deputies were called to a graduation ceremony at United Wholesale Mortgage facility in Pontiac for a fight. Surveillance video showed the two men involved in the fight; then later in possession of guns, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. During their investigation, deputies were approached by someone who reported a potentially threatening Snapchat message.
“Law enforcement has not been able to verify the existence of the Snapchat. Therefore, we are moving forward with the charges presented by investigators,” said Prosecutor McDonald. “This graduation event was disrupted by a fight that required a police response and, rather than walking away, it appears these defendants retrieved a gun. That’s unacceptable and we will hold them accountable.”
Additional charges could be filed if the threat can be verified.
Carrying A Firearm With Unlawful Intent and Carrying a Concealed Weapon both carry up to 5 year prison sentences and/or a $2500 fine. Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony is a mandatory 2 years in prison.
Both men were arraigned on Monday, June 9. A not guilty plea was entered on Hardiman’s behalf, and he was given a $250,000 cash bond with a GPS tethere and other restrictions if he's released.
A not guilty plea was entered on Whaley’s behalf and he was given a $200,000 cash bond, also with a tethere and additional restrictions.
Both men have a probable cause conferences over Zoom set for June 17.