Federal Charges Filed Against Relatives of Suspect in Chattanooga Police Officer Homicide
Jesse R. Mathews Suspected of Killing Chattanooga Police Sergeant Tim Chapin

CHATTANOGA, TN—A press conference was held today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chattanooga, Tenn., to announce federal charges relating to the recent homicide of Chattanooga Police Sergeant Tim Chapin, against Kathleen Mathews, 57, of Chattanooga, Tenn., Ray Mathews, 50, of Chattanooga, Tenn., Rachel Mathews, 21, of Asheville, North Carolina, and James Poteete, 26, of middle Tennessee.

Kathleen Mathews, who is the mother of homicide suspect Jesse R. Mathews, has been charged with accessory after the fact to a Hobbs Act robbery and possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; misprision of a felony; disposing firearms to a convicted felon; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Ray Mathews, who is the father of Jesse R. Mathews, has been charged with accessory after the fact to a Hobbs Act robbery and possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; misprision of a felony; and disposing firearms to a convicted felon. Rachel Mathews, who is the sister of Jesse R. Mathews, has been charged with accessory after the fact to a Hobbs Act robbery and possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; and misprision of a felony. James Poteete, boyfriend of Rachel Mathews, has been charged with accessory after the fact to a Hobbs Act robbery and a violation of Section 924(c), United States Code; and misprision of felony.

Further details of the charges are outlined in the arrest warrant and supporting affidavit, which are on file as public records in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

These charges and subsequent arrest of the individuals listed above was the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Chattanooga Police Department, and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Neff and Chris Poole represent the United States.

United States Attorney Killian praised the “extraordinary, non-stop, round-the-clock, relentless, efforts of the investigating agencies. Their cooperation, coordination, and communication with each other has been superb. I am convinced that these joint efforts resulted in these charges. These charges are a shining example of law enforcement at its best from the city, county, state, and federal agencies.” said Killian.

Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.