A man who was questioned by Cleveland, Tn., Police after he wrecked a motorcycle in a ditch wound up with an 80-month federal prison sentence.
Joe Edward Bates III earlier pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of weapons.
He was sentenced by Judge Charles Atchley.
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 possession 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.