By Paul Singer
The Associated Press

CLEVELAND - A Franciscan brother pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he fatally shot a Roman Catholic priest and set his office on fire.

Daniel Montgomery, watching the proceedings by videoconference from the Cuyahoga County Jail, said nothing during his arraignment. In a session lasting less than five minutes, his attorneys entered the plea for him.

Mr. Montgomery, 37, has been in jail without bond since he was arrested Dec. 8. He faces two counts each of aggravated murder and aggravated arson and could receive the death penalty if convicted.

He was arrested one day after the Rev. William Gulas, pastor of St. Stanislaus Church, was killed in the church rectory.

Police detective James Metzler said Mr. Montgomery, known as Brother Dan, admitted that he shot Father Gulas, set the fire and then called 911 to report the fire.

Henry Hilow, Mr. Montgomery's attorney, said the police have not given him a copy of his statement.

Mr. Montgomery had been training for seven years to become a Franciscan brother. He was told two weeks before Father Gulas' death that he was being fired. Franciscan officials have not said why Mr. Montgomery was being fired.