The Mounties got their man: Convicted drug dealer who skipped out on sentencing is back behind bars
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 is back in custody after enjoying three months on the lam before heading to federal prison for a lengthy stint.
Dow was scheduled to be sentenced to a lengthy prison term on June 17, 2025, but he asked Judge Peter Whyte if he could visit his sick mother in Prince George one last time before heading to a federal institution for what is likely to be a sentence of at least eight years, maybe a dozen.
Judge Whyte generously acceded to the request, put the matter over to June 25 but guess what? Dow decided he didn't want to go to prison just yet and was a no-show.
Chilliwack RCMP issued a call for assistance on Sept. 3, asking for help from the public to find the 49-year-old Dow who should already be in jail for drug trafficking, firearms charges, and trying to bribe a prison guard.
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.
Dow is asking for a sentence of eight years in prison or less while Crown counsel is seeking at least 12 years.
On the lam for three months, the RCMP found Dow on yesterday (Sept. 17, 2025), allegedly at his girlfriend's place. He was returned to custody and his sentencing was scheduled no for next Thursday, Sept. 25.
-30-
Want to support independent journalism?
Consider becoming a paid subscriber or make a one-time donation so I can continue this work.
Paul J. Henderson
pauljhenderson@gmail.com
facebook.com/PaulJHendersonJournalist
instagram.com/wordsarehard_pjh
x.com/PeeJayAitch
wordsarehard-pjh.bsky.social