A federal judge in Texarkana granted an accused drug trafficker’s request for pretrial release Thursday with certain conditions.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant ordered Larry Peters Jr., 36, to get a job, refrain from illegal behavior and live with his parents while his case pending in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas proceeds. Larry Peters Jr. is accused in an indictment of conspiring with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
If found guilty, Larry Peters Jr. faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
Larry Peters Jr. appeared Thursday for a detention hearing with Texarkana attorney John Pickett. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones said the government opposes release because Larry Peters Jr.’s alleged drug trafficking places the community in danger.
Pickett called Larry Peters Jr.’s mother, Clintona Peters, to testify for the defense. She said she would give her son a place to live at her house in Prescott, Ark., the same area where Larry Peters Jr.’s allegedly sold drugs. She also said she would report any misconduct or violations of court orders to U.S. probation officials.
Jones asked Clintona Peters if her husband, Larry Peters Sr., is currently on parole for distribution of crack cocaine. Clintona Peters testified that he is.
Jones argued that Larry Peters Jr. presents a danger to the community and argued that he is “following in his father’s footsteps.”
Pickett argued that Larry Peters Sr. and Clintona Peters are motivated to keep their son on the straight and narrow, pointing out that if Larry Peters Jr. engages in criminal conduct at his parents’ home it could jeopardize Larry Peters Sr.’s parole in the state of Arkansas.
Bryant agreed to release Peters on a $5,000 unsecured bond. He is to refrain from any illegal behavior or drug use, report to probation as ordered, submit to drug testing randomly and gain employment. He is only allowed to leave the house when he is working or attending court-ordered meetings.
Bryant ordered Larry Peters Jr. to participate in drug or mental health treatment if ordered to do so by federal probation.
The case is set for jury selection July 25 before U.S. District Judge Susan Hickey in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas.
