An Appalachia, Virginia man, who participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine tied to the murder of Big Stone Gap, Virginia Police Officer Michael Chandler, has been sentenced in federal court in the Western District of Virginia.
Christopher Bates, 31, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison. Bates is the eighth defendant to be sentenced for his role in the conspiracy.
Previously sentenced for their role in the conspiracy were: Timothy Ray Jones – 235 months; Charles Ryan Bowman 120 months; Elicia Amber Burns 172 months; James Brian Mullins 180 months; Justin Dwayne Skaggs 132 months; Tyler Lee Westmoreland 54 months; and James Ray Worley 120 months.
A total of 19 defendants have been charged for conspiring to distribute more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as heroin and fentanyl.
According to court documents, beginning in August 2021 and continuing until their arrest, the 19 defendants participated in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine from Tennessee and other states into southwest Virginia, and then further distribute it throughout Wise County, Virginia.
Tragically, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on November 13, 2021, Officer Chandler responded to a welfare check call at 2505 Orr Street in Big Stone Gap. This address, known locally as “the red house,” was well-known to police and often the subject of calls for service for civil disturbances, warrant service, welfare checks, overdoses, complaints of assaults, and drug-related activities.
Upon arriving at the Orr Street address, Officer Chandler encountered a vehicle outside the residence and was immediately shot by Michael Donivan White. Officer Chandler died later that evening from his injuries. White was later located at a motel in Kingsport, Tennessee and a subsequent search of the motel room revealed a Taurus, 9mm pistol.
Further testing ultimately proved this firearm to be the same one that fired the shots that killed Officer Chandler. Michael Donivan White was indicted on federal charges for killing Officer Chandler and has since pled guilty.
White is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Abingdon on November 20, 2024.
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