CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A second West Virginia Supreme Court justice is facing a federal felony charge related to the personal use of state-owned vehicles and fuel cards.
U.S Attorney Mike Stuart said Tuesday that Menis Ketchum waived his right to an indictment and agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of one count of wire fraud. Stuart said Ketchum now faces a plea hearing and up to 20 years in prison.
Ketchum abruptly announced on July 11 that he would step down effective July 27, two years before the end of his term. He gave no reason for his resignation.
Another justice, Allen Loughry, pleaded not guilty in federal court last month to multiple counts involving alleged fraud. He was suspended over similar allegations that he repeatedly lied about using his office for personal gain.
