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Ex-West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Pleads Guilty
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – A retired West Virginia Supreme Court justice is now a convicted felon.
Menis Ketchum pleaded guilty to a felony count of fraud related to his personal use of a state vehicle and gas fuel card in a scandal that has led to upcoming impeachment trials for the three remaining justices.
Ketchum entered the plea Thursday in U.S. District Court in Charleston.
Federal prosecutors announced Ketchum’s agreement to plead guilty soon after the 75-year-old justice retired in July. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is set for Dec. 6.
The four other justices were impeached last week by the House of Delegates. Justice Robin Davis retired hours later. She and Justices Allen Loughry, Margaret Workman and Beth Walker face trial in the Senate.