A Bowie County man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for selling counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, which resulted in the death of an individual. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Henry Wayne Milligan, 28, of Hooks, TX, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. On April 2, 2025, U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, sentenced Milligan to 240 months in federal prison.
“The Eastern District of Texas will continue to aggressively prosecute those who distribute deadly drugs such as fentanyl in our communities and seek enhanced sentences commensurate with the tragic consequences and immeasurable losses suffered by victims and their families,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
According to court documents, Milligan admitted to selling the victim what were purported to be legitimate prescription pills. The victim was later found deceased in their home, and an autopsy determined the cause of death to be a fentanyl overdose. Testing confirmed that the pills sold by Milligan were laced with fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Following his arrest, Milligan confessed to selling the pills.
Texarkana, Texas Police Department’s Public Information Officer Shawn Vaughn expressed gratitude for the prosecution's efforts and the work of Detective Daniel Linn, who led the investigation. He also acknowledged the invaluable assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a public safety alert about the increasing danger of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Their "One Pill Can Kill" campaign urges the public to only take medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist to avoid these deadly counterfeit drugs.
The case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division and the Texarkana Texas Police Department, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
