From the Chattanoogan: A man who was questioned by Cleveland Police after he wrecked a motorcycle in a ditch wound up with an 80-month federal prison
Joe Edward Bates III plead guilty to being a felon in possession of weapons.
Cleveland Police said on Oct. 14, 2021, an officer saw Bates trying to ride a motorcycle out of a ditch. He claimed a white Honda had forced him off the road.
It was found that the motorcycle was stolen.
Inside his backpack, police found a .22 caliber pistol, a .38 Special, and a 9mm.
Bates was not supposed to possess weapons because of being a convicted felon. He had been convicted of aggravated burglary, promotion of the manufacture of meth, and possession of meth for resale.
He was sentenced by Judge Charles Atchley late last week to 80 months in federal prison.
