United States Attorney James T. Jacks
Northern District of Texas

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txn/

ROWLETT, TEXAS, WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HEROIN CHARGE

Police Found Thousands of Doses of “Cheese” Heroin in Her Home in February

DALLAS — Barbara Blanton Sims, 60, of Rowlett, pleaded guilty this morning to an indictment charging possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks. She was arrested in February 2009 by officers of the Rowlett, Texas, Police Department after they searched her home and found Mexican black tar heroin and the drug known as “cheese.” “Cheese” is heroin combined with night-time pain/cold relievers such as Tylenol PM or Advil PM; it is cheap and extremely addictive. Sims was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2009 and later released on conditions. She faces a maximum statutory sentence of not less than five or more than 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine. Sentencing is set for December 28, 2009, before U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn.

According to documents filed in court, Sims admitted that on February 11, 2009, she possessed with the intent to distribute 239 grams of heroin. Sims’ residence, where the drugs were found, is located within a Drug Free Zone, that is, within 1000 feet of Twin Star Park, a public park/playground in Rowlett. The plea documents also stipulate that Sims, a convicted felon, was in possession of eight firearms.

As part of her plea agreement with the government, Sims will be required to forfeit a 1992 Mercedes, a 2002 Cadillac, a 1978 Rolls Royce and a 1997 Jaguar.

The case was investigated by the Rowlett Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon N. McCarthy and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.

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