Metro

Woman linked to Christmas Eve fire ambush that targeted first responders pleads not guilty

ROCHESTER — A New York college student has pleaded not guilty to charges she bought guns for a neighbor who later ambushed firefighters at his burning home Christmas Eve.

Dawn Nguyen was arraigned Monday on a three-count indictment in federal court in Rochester. The 24-year-old from the suburb of Greece was charged last week with lying on a form when she bought a rifle and shotgun, transferring the guns to felon William Spengler Jr., and possessing guns while using marijuana.

Spengler killed himself after fatally shooting two firefighters and wounding two others and a police officer in the town of Webster.

Nguyen said nothing as she left court. But her lawyer, Matthew Parrinello, says she will fight the charges.

Nguyen also faces a state charge of falsifying a business record.