Rape cases sentenced
The Franklin County District Attorney’s office was able to close the book on two rape cases recently.
Tanya Wiginton, 36, of Russellville, pleaded to one count of rape second degree, receiving a seven-year sentence, earlier this month.
Wiginton was arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for rape of 14-year-old boy in February. According to FCSO investigators, the abuse had been going on for a few months. Investigators received a tip and were able to move forward with an arrest based on their investigation.
According to the district attorney’s office, Wiginton has applied for probation.
“That was one we’ve had on the docket for a while, so we were glad to see it resolved,” Rushing said. Crucially, he added, is that Wiginton will be required to register as a sex offender.
Additionally, Daniel Angwin, 29, of Hackleburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape after being accused of a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl. Rushing said the case was headed to court, and the victim expressed her reluctance to have to testify and he willingness to reach an acceptable settlement, in order to not have to testify in court. Angwin was sentenced to four years but granted probation. “The main thing (the victim) wanted in the case is that (Angwin) be a registered sex offender,” Rushing said, which was included as part of the settlement.