Man guilty in collar-bomb case

A man admitted that he helped plot a bizarre bank robbery in Erie that ended when a bomb strapped around a pizza deliveryman’s neck exploded and killed him.

Kenneth Barnes pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy and aiding and abetting. Prosecutors also revealed new details about deliveryman Brian Wells’ involvement.

According to Barnes, Wells got cold feet on the day of the robbery, refusing to put on the collar bomb after realizing it was real. Another plotter then fired a single gunshot, scaring him into putting it on.

Barnes, 54, could be sentenced to life in prison.