U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
An Appalachia, Virginia man involved in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy linked to the murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler was sentenced today in federal court. Christopher Bates, 31, received a 78-month prison sentence, making him the eighth defendant sentenced in connection with the case.
Previously sentenced individuals include 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).
Nineteen defendants were charged with conspiring to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Court documents indicate that from August 2021 until their arrest, these defendants trafficked methamphetamine from Tennessee and other states into southwest Virginia for further distribution throughout Wise County.
On November 13, 2021, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Officer Chandler responded to a welfare check call at "the red house" on Orr Street in Big Stone Gap. The location was known for frequent police calls related to civil disturbances, warrant service, welfare checks, overdoses, assaults, and drug activities.
Upon arrival, Officer Chandler encountered a vehicle outside the residence and was shot by Michael Donivan White. Officer Chandler succumbed to his injuries later that evening. White was found at a motel in Kingsport, Tennessee. A search revealed a Taurus 9mm pistol used in the shooting. White has pled guilty to federal charges for killing Officer Chandler and is scheduled for sentencing on November 20, 2024.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanagh and James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the sentencing.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Virginia State Police; United States Marshal’s Service; Wise County Sheriff’s Office; City of Norton Virginia Police Department; Kingsport Tennessee Police Department; Big Stone Gap Police Department; Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; East Tennessee Drug Task Force; and Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena L. Busscher is prosecuting the case.
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