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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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Two accused in cop-killing case to plead guilty

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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.