In denying pretrial release for a Scotland Neck man facing fentanyl distribution charges, a United States magistrate judge this week noted he reportedly continued trafficking after his arrest and bond release.

Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank in Greenville wrote in the order denying release for Prarjhua Shairoy Powell there was evidence “he continued trafficking in large amounts of heroin/fentanyl after having been arrested and released on bond for trafficking and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute heroin in February of 2019.”

The magistrate judge also noted his prior noncompliance with supervision includes violations for absconding supervision and there was evidence he possessed a firearm at the time of his arrest on federal charges.

Swank, according to documents in the federal court system, also checked off boxes which noted the following:

The offense is one in which a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years or more is prescribed

He is subject to a lengthy incarceration

His prior criminal history

Participation in criminal activity while under supervision or release

The nature and circumstances of the offense

Pending unrelated charges or outstanding warrants

Powell was named in a three-count indictment on fentanyl distribution charges and has been scheduled for arraignment in New Bern on October 13.

According to the indictment around January of 2019 through September 19 of last year, Powell is charged with knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing detectable amounts of fentanyl.

Count two charges on January 20 of last year he knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams while the third count charges the same on September 19 of last year.