Former police officer convicted of cruelty to children faces sentencing

<p>A former police officer convicted of cruelty to children, false statements and writings and violation of oath of public office was scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday.</p><p>Paul Wiggins Jr., 40, who faces a sentence ranging from probation to 30 years in prison, was acquitted Dec. 5 in Floyd County Superior Court of rape, sodomy, false imprisonment and sexual battery. A 16-year-old girl accused him of forcing her to have sex while he was on duty.</p><p>Wiggins, fired from the Rome police department after the accusations surfaced, is being held in Floyd County Jail.</p><p>Wiggins attorney, Christopher Twyman, said he would appeal the charge of cruelty to children, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. He said the charge is based on rape, a charge for which Wiggins was acquitted.</p><p>Eds: Hearing begins at 9 a.m. before Judge J. Bryant Durham Jr.</p>

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