Canton Police Lieutenant Faces Multiple Felony Gun Charges

A Canton police lieutenant was arraigned at the 35th District Court Tuesday afternoon on multiple felony gun charges.

Lt. Jerry Hardesty, 55, faces charges of larceny of a firearm, which carries a maximum two year sentence; receiving/concealing stolen property, a 10 year sentence and $5,000 fine and felony firearm, a five year sentence and $2,500 fine.

Canton Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler said his office was made aware in February of a missing long gun, not a pistol, belonging to the department. The Michigan State Police Special Investigation Section launched a criminal investigation in March, during which Hardesty became a suspect.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said he could not disclose the specific caliber gun, which was assigned to a Canton SWAT Team, or if it was used outside of police work, as it relates to the investigation. 

He also would not say how long the weapon was in Hardesty's possession without department approval instead saying all of the details would come out in court during the case. 

The weapon was recovered and is currently back in possession of the Canton Police Department.  

Hardesty, a 24-year veteran of the department, was placed on administrative leave from his position last month by Mutchler in compliance with existing bargaining agreements. He will remain on administrative leave pending the completion of an internal investigation by the department.

Hardesty became a lieutenant in 2007 and was assigned to a SWAT Team, completing various assignments with SWAT, Mutchler said.

Mutchler said Hardesty had no past misconduct issues with the department that were relevant to the case. 

In addition to the criminal investigation, the Canton Police Department is conducting an internal review, including going over its current policies and procedures regarding weapons and inventory.

"Anytime issues arise, whatever they may be, as a department we will review processes and if need be, we will update and make changes to the policies," Mutchler said. 

“The Canton Police Department holds its employees accountable to the high professional standards set by the organization and remains committed to providing excellent law enforcement services to the community in which we serve,” Mutchler said.