Several factors led United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank to order that Lavonta Johnson remain behind bars pending further proceedings in his meth trafficking case, court records show.

Johnson, of Roanoke Rapids, faces a charge carrying a potential sentence of 10 years or more, Swank indicated on a detention order form. She also checked boxes noting there is no combination of conditions that would reasonably assure the safety of the community or assure his appearance in court.

Swank factored in several additional elements when denying release:

Subject to a lengthy period of incarceration if convicted

Prior criminal history

History of violence or use of weapons

Currently on probation

Participation in criminal activity while on probation

Poses a serious danger to any person in the community

Swank noted in the order that evidence shows Johnson is involved in the distribution of large quantities of controlled substances, and that he attempted to flee when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence.

She also noted that Johnson has a history of absconding from supervision and that evidence suggests threats were made against potential witnesses.

A criminal complaint filed earlier this month ties Johnson to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Johnson was charged locally in August after agents with the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force seized a backpack from the crawl space of his Brigman Street home containing approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine, 115 grams of fentanyl, and a metal "quarter brick" narcotics press.

Officers also seized suspected marijuana, an additional small amount of fentanyl, and five firearms.