Local man accused in meth case temporarily waives right to hearing
Jury selection slated for Oct. 29
A Texarkana man accused of trafficking methamphetamine opted Friday to temporarily waive his right to a hearing in federal court to determine if he can be freed while his case proceeds.
Alvin Bruce Jordan Jr., 35, also known as “A.J.,” is the only defendant named in a five-count indictment issued Sept. 12 by a federal grand jury in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas. The indictment was unsealed Sept. 19 by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant following an arraignment hearing in Texarkana’s downtown federal building.
Texarkana lawyer John Pickett entered pleas of not guilty on Jordan’s behalf.
At Pickett’s request, Bryant scheduled the case for a detention hearing Friday afternoon. Shortly after Bryant took the bench, Pickett told the court he would like to reserve Jordan’s right to a detention hearing in the future after he’s had more time to prepare.
Bryant agreed to the request and noted that alleged drug crimes such as those facing Jordan carry with them a presumption that the accused will be detained pending resolution of the charges. Drug offenses are considered indicative of a threat to public safety.
Bryant told Jordan that it is possible for him to overcome the presumption of detention with certain evidence. That evidence may include stable employment, a place to live and family support.
The first count of Jordan’s indictment alleges conspiracy to distribute metham-
phetamine from Jan. 1, 2016, to Sept. 10, 2018. The other four counts of Jordan’s indictment allege Jordan distributed meth on specific dates including July 31, 2017; Aug. 9, 2017; Aug. 25, 2017; and Aug. 31, 2017.
Jordan remains in the custody of U.S. Marshals. The case is scheduled for jury selection Oct. 29 before U.S. District Judge Susan Hickey.