After his federal indictment last week, Troy Covington will be scheduled for arraignment during the August 19 term of court in Raleigh.
Covington, 54, of Roanoke Rapids, was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank in Greenville.
During his initial appearance on the four-count indictment Swank ordered Covington to continue to be detained pending trial, court records show.
Covington’s arraignment will be held before District Judge James C. Dever III.
Last week Covington was indicted on counts related to the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.
The indictment stems from a criminal complaint filed by the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as an investigation by the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force.
In count one the grand jury charges that on or about June 6, 2023 Covington distributed a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Count two charges that on or about June 9, 2023 he distributed a quantity of cocaine base — crack.
In count three Covington is charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about July 20, 2023.
An allegation of prior conviction is attached to count three which charges that before the count three crime was committed Covington had a final conviction for a serious violent felony, namely, a conviction for robbery with a dangerous weapon for which he served more than 12 months of imprisonment and for which he was released from serving any term of imprisonment related to that offense within 15 years of the commencement of the instant offense.
Count four charges that on or about September 29, 2023 he possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine.
Count four also carries the allegation of prior conviction
According to North Carolina Department of Public Safety records the robbery with a dangerous weapon conviction was in Northampton County.
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.
