Two accused in cop-killing case to plead guilty

photo Rachel Kathleen Mathews, 21.
photo Rachel Mathews' boyfriend, James Poteete, 26.

Two people accused of being accessories for the man facing trial for killing a Chattanooga police officer are expected to plead guilty in federal court on Wednesday.

Rachel Mathews, 21, and James Poteete are both scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate, according to court dockets.

Federal prosecutors confirmed Tuesday the two have agreed to a plea bargain.

Mathews is the sister of Jesse Mathews, who faces felony murder charges after being accused of shooting Sgt. Tim Chapin during a botched robbery on Brainerd Road on April 2.

Poteete was Rachel Mathews' boyfriend at the time of the arrest.

Rachel Mathews and Poteete each face 10 federal charges, including accessory after the fact, withholding information on a crime, and tampering with a witness, victim or informant,

Jesse Mathews is scheduled to appear on Aug. 16 before Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.

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