ATF arrests suspect in arson of historic Kentucky building

ANNVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Federal authorities have arrested a woman in connection to a fire that destroyed a historic building in Annville, Kentucky.

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Shelia Clemons has been charged in federal court with arson of property affecting interstate commerce. The charge follows an investigation into what officials say was the intentional burning of a historic structure in the community.

“ATF National Response Team members, along with our state and local partners, worked tirelessly to ensure an arrest was made,” said ATF Louisville Field Division Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. “The community of Annville can rest well today knowing that an arrest has been made relating to the intentional and senseless burning of their historic building.”

The investigation was led by ATF Louisville, with assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Multiple fire departments from across the region responded in support of fighting the fire.