Mounties still looking for convicted drug dealer two months after he skipped sentencing

William Michael Dow was twice in courtrooms knowing he was going to prison for a lengthy term before skipping out on the third one in June

William Michael Dow attended the Chilliwack law courts five months ago with his affairs in order under the mistaken notion that he was going to prison for several years that night.

But the judge wasn't ready to send him away just yet. He came back two months later but this time Dow wasn't ready. He asked if he could go see his mother one last time before likely heading to a medium security institution for at least eight years.

It's unclear if he ever visited his mother. What is clear is that it was the last time any authorities had seen him.

Chilliwack RCMP issued a call for assistance on Wednesday (Sept. 3, 2025) asking again for help from the public to find 49-year-old Dow who should already be in jail serving a sentence between eight and 12 years for drug trafficking, firearms charges, and trying to bribe a prison guard.

Dow pleaded guilty to several charges and thought he was going to prison after his sentencing hearing on April 17, 2025. Judge Peter Whyte put his decision over to June 17, but Dow asked the judge to postpone the hearing just a few days, ostensibly so he could visit his sick mother in Prince George. Judge Whyte agreed, put the decision over to June 25, but Dow didn't show up.

Dow was originally charged with seven offences connected to March 31, 2020. While out on bail before those charges were resolved, on Oct. 16, 2020, Dow apparently tried to bribe a prison guard. Now facing seven more charges, Dow pleaded guilty to two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and two firearms charges connected to March. And he pleaded guilty to attempted bribery, one count of trafficking, and one firearms charge connected to October.

At the April 17, 2025 sentencing hearing, Dow's lawyer Jayse Reveley suggested a sentence of eight years in prison or less was suitable, while Crown counsel sought at least 12 years. It's unclear what Judge Whyte decided upon since Dow didn't attend, and no decision was delivered in absentia.

More than two months later he is still wanted. Chilliwack RCMP issued a release Sept. 3, 2025, again asking the public for help locating him.

"Despite extensive efforts, including checks of known addresses and associates, Dow remains unlocated," according to the release.

Dow is described as: 49 years old, 5' 11" tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611, or CrimeStoppers (anonymous) 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

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Paul J. Henderson
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