Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty in Rhode Island Arson Scheme

A Tennessee man has pleaded guilty to his role in the burning of an occupied Rhode Island apartment building in what prosecutors called an arson-for-profit.

Federal authorities and Providence officials on Thursday announced that 27-year-old Gbabia Kollie of Johnson City, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to arson and conspiracy Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Providence.

Federal prosecutors say Kollie and three co-defendants were involved in the torching of a multifamily home in Providence in November 2013. Several people who were sleeping in the building at the time got out safely.

Two other defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, and the fourth defendant awaits trial. Kollie faces five to 40 years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 3.

Court documents say Kollie helped arrange the arson in return for $7,000.