Feds: Dayton Shooter's Friend Bought Gear for Him

Ethan Kollie faces charges of lying on firearms form by not disclosing a drug offense
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 12, 2019 1:55 PM CDT
Friend of Dayton Shooter Now Facing Charges, Too
This undated file booking photo provided by the Montgomery County Sheriff shows Ethan Kollie.   (Montgomery County Sheriff via AP)

A friend of the mass shooter in Dayton is now facing federal charges, though he is not being accused of knowing about the attack. Federal prosecutors say Ethan Kollie, 24, bought body armor for Connor Betts, as well as a high-capacity ammunition magazine and an attachment for the AR-15-style gun used in the attack, reports the Daily Beast. Betts had legally bought the gun on his own, authorities previously said. The purchases themselves aren't what got Kollie in trouble—prosecutors say he lied on a federal firearms form by not disclosing a drug offense. Back in 2013, Kollie pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor marijuana charge, per the Dayton Daily News. He has also been charged with possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of any controlled substance.

Authorities say Kollie bought the items and kept them at his own apartment so Betts could hide them from his parents. An affidavit says that about 10 weeks ago, Kollie helped Betts assemble the gun used in the shooting. Betts killed nine people and injured more than 30 when he opened fire in an entertainment district. Police killed him just before he entered a crowded bar. Kollie faces up to 15 years if convicted. (Video shows how one bystander used his body to shield his girlfriend during the shooting.)

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