Wilburn John Bingaman, Jr. of Scottsburg plead guilty to dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death and received a 30 year prison sentence last Thursday, Aug. 3, in Scott Circuit Court.
On Jan. 3, of this year Bingaman went to a pain clinic to obtain a prescription for hydrocodone. Later that day, his girlfriend, Tina Maudlin, was found deceased in the Scottsburg hotel room they shared after not waking from a nap.
The investigation by the Scottsburg Police Department uncovered that Bingaman provided several of his prescription pills to his girlfriend prior to her laying down to take that nap.
“In fact, over 20% of the pills prescribed earlier that day were missing from the prescription bottle. An autopsy revealed that the death was due to intoxication on a combination of illicit substances, including hydrocodone,” said Scott County Prosecutor Chris Owens.
“Obtaining a conviction in this type of case is difficult and it requires a solid investigation by law enforcement to collect the evidence needed to get this result,” said Owens. “I want to commend the Scottsburg Police Department, especially Detective Steve Herald, for the work done in this investigation and providing a solid case that could be prosecuted successfully.”
Drug use is dangerous and the illegal distribution of drugs carries consequences, said Owens. Although Bingaman has a very limited criminal history, his actions resulted in the death of his girlfriend, and justice required that he be held accountable, Owens concluded.
The 47-year-old Bingaman’s 30-year sentence will be served 20 years with the Indiana Department of Correction with the remainder on home detention under the supervision of the Scott County Probation Department.