Dayton gunman’s friend pleads guilty to firearms counts

Associated Press
Updated
This undated file booking photo provided by the Montgomery County Sheriff shows Ethan Kollie. Court documents show Kollie will be in court Nov. 20, 2019 to make his guilty plea. He is accused of lying on a federal firearms form and possessing a gun while illegally using drugs. (Montgomery County Sheriff via AP)

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — A friend of a gunman who killed nine people in a rampage in Dayton has pleaded guilty to two firearms charges unrelated to the deadly mass shooting.

Twenty-four-year-old Ethan Kollie pleaded Wednesday to lying on a federal firearms form and possessing a gun while using illegal drugs. The gun was unrelated to the mass killing.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Rose ordered a presentencing investigation and set sentencing for Feb. 20. He didn’t rule immediately on a defense request to reconsider bond for Kollie, who’s been jailed since early August.

Authorities have said there is no indication Kollie knew Connor Betts was planning the Aug. 4 shooting that killed nine people before police killed Betts.

Investigators say Kollie told them he bought body armor, a 100-round magazine and a part for Betts' gun.