The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Gwendolyn Barlow |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
By K.A. WAGONER - Staff Writer
A Roanoke woman will serve eight years of a 20-year prison sentence for selling heroin.
Gwendolyn Marie Barlow, 52, was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison for one count of distributing heroin, according to Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Robert Deatherage. Twelve years of the sentence was suspended.
Judge W.N. Alexander II exceeded the sentencing guidelines in this case because of Barlow's criminal record, Deatherage said. This case was her 16th felony conviction since 1987. Barlow was on probation from a previous conviction when she was charged with this felony count of heroin distribution, he added.
Barlow was also sentenced to five years probation and ordered to be of good behavior for life, Deatherage said. Alexander also recommended drug treatment during Barlow's incarceration.
The distribution charge arose from a traffic stop on U.S. 220 on March 28, 2012, after investigators arranged a buy for three bundles of heroin for which they paid about $600, according to Sgt. Tim Taylor with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies observed the transaction and provided patrol officers with a description of the vehicle, Taylor said. When the vehicle was stopped, officers found 28 packets of heroin, Deatherage said.
Barlow pleaded guilty to the distribution charge on Nov. 26. |
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