Former Watonga Police Chief Shawn Kays pleaded guilty on Nov. 1, to one count of illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment, according to U.S. Attorney Richard Troester. Receiving firearms or ammunition while under indictment is violation of federal law.
Kays had been facing three counts, but the second and third counts- prohibited person in possession of a firearm -- will be dismissed at sentencing.
The case charged that Kays knew he was under felony indictment, charged with first degree burglary in Blaine County court, when on or around Aug. 15 last year he received a Glock .45 pistol.
The court indicates sentencing will be in about 90 days and Kays could face up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 as well as three years of supervised release.