A United States magistrate judge Wednesday found a Roanoke Rapids man facing local and federal drug charges unsuitable for pretrial release.
Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank in Greenville remanded 54-year-old Troy Covington to detention pending trial.
Swank checked off that Covington is charged with an offense for which imprisonment of 10 years or more is prescribed under the nation’s Controlled Substances Act.
She concluded that the defendant did not introduce sufficient evidence and determined that “by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community.”
In denying pretrial release for Covington, Swank factored in his prior criminal history, participation in criminal activity while on supervision or release, a history of weapons use, lack of a suitable release plan, and the nature and circumstances of the offense.
The magistrate judge also noted there is evidence of jail calls informing others of the identity of a confidential informant.
Covington was arrested May 22 on an outstanding criminal complaint lodged by an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The complaint against Covington, according to the affidavit by the DEA agent, charges that on September 28 of last year Covington committed the federal offense of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The DEA agent wrote that the sheriff’s office narcotics division in April of last year began receiving complaints that Covington was selling meth and fentanyl in and around Halifax County.
The May 22 arrest occurred that day around 3:45 p.m. when agents of the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant in the area of Southgate Drive.
The search of the residence yielded 2 ounces of powdered cocaine, fentanyl and three firearms.
Federal court records this morning did not show a date for any upcoming proceedings.
He is scheduled for a September 23 superior court date in Halifax County for numerous drug charges that include counts for trafficking opium, cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the state court calendar.
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