ATF Arrests Arsonist in Annville, Kentucky Historic Building Fire

ANNVILLE, KY – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) deployed its National Response Team (NRT) to Annville, Kentucky to investigate a suspected arson of a historic building.

ATF Louisville Field Division Special Agent in Charge John Nokes “Due to the tremendous efforts of our ATF National Response Team members and our state and local partners, 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.” 

Shelia Clemons was arrested and charged in the Eastern District of Kentucky, federal district court with Arson of Property Affecting Interstate Commerce.  This investigation was led by the ATF Louisville Field Division, in conjunction with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Kentucky State Police. Numerous local fire departments responded and assisted, including Pond Creek FD, Grey Hawk FD, McKee FD, Sandgap FD, McWhorter FD, Crossroads FD, East Bernsadt FD, Laurel County FD, London City FD, Lily FD, and Burning Springs FD.

The National Response Team includes veteran ATF Special Agents with expertise in post-blast and fire origin-and-cause determinations, along with forensic chemists, explosives enforcement officers, fire protection engineers, accelerant detection canines, explosives detection canines, and specialists in intelligence, computer forensics, and audit support. Together, they work with local partners to reconstruct scenes, identify fire origins, conduct interviews, and sift debris for evidence.

Since its founding in 1978, the NRT has deployed to 933 major fire and explosion incidents, including 12 activations this fiscal year alone. The team can typically deploy within 24 hours and brings cutting-edge tools such as unmanned aerial systems, 3D scanning, forensic mapping, and portable labs to assist investigations.

Notable past NRT deployments include:

• Maui Wildfire Disaster – One of the deadliest U.S. fires in over a century, requiring intricate investigation amid severe wind and rapid spread.
• Conception Dive Boat Fire – A deadly fire near Santa Barbara where NRT helped uncover critical evidence, leading to reforms in marine safety.
• 2020 Midwest Civil Unrest – More than 200 arson scenes processed, resulting in evidence used to make arrests and secure prosecutions.

ATF is the federal agency responsible for investigating arson and fire-related crimes. For more information, visit www.atf.gov and follow @ATFHQ and @ATFLouisville on X for updates.