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Eastern District of Texas
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: DAVILYN WALSTON | |
| TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 | PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER | |
| HTTP://WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/txe | DIRECT: (409) 839-2538 CELL: (409) 553-9881 |
CALIFORNIA MAN GUILTY OF HAULING DRUGS THROUGH EAST TEXAS
TEXARKANA, TX – U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that a 44-year-old Fresno, California man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
PAUL FRANKLIN RAPER pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute marijuana today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Folsom.
According to information presented in court, on Dec. 12, 2007, Raper was driving his long haul truck through Titus County on Interstate-30 when he was stopped for speeding by a DPS Trooper. A search of the truck during the stop revealed over 1000 kilograms of marijuana. Raper admitted that he picked up the marijuana in McAllen, Texas and was delivering it to Chicago, Illinois for distribution. Raper was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 5, 2008.
Raper faces up to Life in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal following his plea hearing.
This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise O. Simpson.