State Charges for Alleged Arsonist of Lincoln Hall Bound Over to Grand Jury

Shelia Clemons, 57, was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in District Court on November 10, 2025 at the Judicial Center in McKee, KY to address State charges.

Clemons was arrested on August 06, 2025 by federal authorities and charged with allegedly burning down historic Lincoln Hall, located on the campus of Grace Covenant Ministries in Annville, KY. The fire occurred on July 30, and the building was completely destroyed, with the roof collapsing onto the lower level. Clemons was charged with “arson of property affecting interstate commerce.” Pursuant to Title 18 § 844(i), it is unlawful for any person to maliciously damage or destroy by means of fire any building or vehicle used in interstate or foreign commerce or in any activity affecting interstate commerce.

In addition to the Federal charge against Clemons, there are also State charges against her. State Complaint Warrant #E05510005036433 was obtained by Deputy Sheriff Christian M. Collins on August 08, 2025, and was served and filed on August 26, 2025.

The complaint alleges that Clemons created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person/persons when she allegedly intentionally and wantonly started a fire by reaching through a broken window of the basement of Lincoln Hall and lighting papers on fire causing a structural fire that required the response of multiple fire departments and required three (3) firefighters to enter the structure in an attempt to suppress the fire. This put the lives of those firefighters at risk of death or serious physical injury. The warrant was served by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office at the Laurel County Detention Center.

Clemons has been charged with three (3) counts of wanton endangerment, 1st degree. The State case has been assigned Case #25-F-00096.

At the preliminary hearing on Monday, Judge Allen B. Roberts heard from Deputy Christian Collins. Judge Roberts ruled that probable cause for the alleged charges was established and subsequently held the case over to a Grand Jury for consideration and potential indictment. Clemons was recognized to appear in Circuit Court on January 06, 2026 to answer any potential indictment(s) coming forth from the Grand Jury.

As with all cases at this stage of adjudication, the charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until provided due process and determined to be guilty by the court.