A Texarkana man accused in a five-count federal indictment of trafficking methamphetamine will remain behind bars while his case is pending, at least for now.
At a hearing Friday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant, the attorney representing Alvin Bruce “A.J.” Jordan, 35, told the judge he needs more time to prepare before a detention hearing is held. A detention, or bond, hearing in a federal case can be requested by a defendant’s lawyer if the government is asking that the defendant be kept in custody while the case is pending.
Jordan’s attorney, John Pickett of Texarkana, said Friday that he would like to reserve Jordan’s right to a future hearing at a time when he is more prepared to offer evidence that would support Jordan’s release. Bryant agreed to the request and told Jordan that to overcome the “presumption of detention” that comes with a drug trafficking charge he must be able to show the court he has stable living conditions and is not a threat to community safety.
Jordan is the only defendant named in an indictment handed down earlier this month in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas. Count one alleges conspiracy to distribute meth from Jan. 1, 2016, to Sept. 10, 2018. Count two alleges distribution of methamphetamine on July 31, 2017. Count three alleges distribution of meth on Aug. 9, 2017. Count four alleges distribution of meth on Aug. 25, 2017, and count five alleges distribution of meth on Aug. 31, 2017.
While Jordan will remain behind bars for now, he can request a detention hearing at any time. Bryant said he usually schedules such a proceeding within a few days of a request.
Jordan is scheduled for a jury trial Oct. 29 before U.S. District Judge Susan O. Hickey in Texarkana.
