Michael Zane Gates
A FORMER SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA TEACHER HAS PLED GUILTY TO VARIOUS SEXUAL OFFENSES IN SMYTH COUNTY. 33 YEAR OLD MICHAEL ZANE GATES OF GLADE SPRING WAS CHARGED WITH 17 FELONY COUNTS INVOLVING THE GIRL WHO WAS A STUDENT AT NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IN SMYTH COUNTY. HE ENTERED THE GUILTY PLEA TO PROPOSING WITH LASCIVIOUS INTENT TO A CHILD IN HIS CUSTODIAL CARE. THE OFFENSES OCCURRED BETWEEN JUNE 1ST, 2006 AND FEBRUARY 18TH, 2007. GATES REMAINS FREE ON A 20-THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND. HE HAS A SENTENCING HEARING SET FOR DECEMBER 13TH. MEANWHILE, SINCE SOME OF THE OFFENSES ALLEGEDLY OCCURRED ALSO IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, GATES WILL GO ON TRIAL IN CIRCUIT COURT THERE ON THOSE CHARGES ON OCTOBER 29TH.