One Sentenced, One Pleads Guilty in Heroin Conspiracy

MARSHALL – A sentence has been handed down and a guilty plea has been accepted in Marshall federal court in an East Texas heroin conspiracy. Paul Allen Wiginton, 55, (pictured) of Gilmer has been sentenced to six months in federal prison; he’d pleaded guilty on July 12 to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. According to information presented in court, on August 23, 2012, Wigington distributed approximately 2.2 grams of a mixture containing heroin to another person in exchange for $500. Wigington admitted to purchasing the heroin from co-defendant Cynthia Blaylock at her Upshur County home.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Lindsey Noel Rawls of Gilmer woman has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to federal prosecutors, on February 7, Rawls possessed approximately 37 grams of a mixture containing heroin and 15 capsules, also containing a heroin substance. Rawls admitted to traveling with co-defendant William Griffin to Dallas to acquire the heroin. Rawls faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 27, charging Wiginton, Rawls, and seven others with drug trafficking violations.