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Guilty plea in connection with shooting of Nicholas County deputy

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — The Nicholas County woman who purchased a gun for a man who used it to shoot and kill Nicholas County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Baker pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal criminal charge.

Melanie Clodfelter

Melanie Clodfelter, 41, of Summersville, lied when she purchased the gun for Richie Holcomb, a convicted felon.

Clodfelter admitted Holcomb gave her the money to purchase an RF-15, multi-caliber rifle. She said she knew he wasn’t allowed to have a firearm because of his criminal history.

The rifle was used in the June 3 shootout that claimed Baker’s life. Holcomb also died. A man with Holcomb, Brent Tyler Kelly, 28, of Birch River, remains in jail on murder charges.

Clodfelter faces up to five years in prison. Sentencing is set for Feb. 16.

“It is a crime to certify that you are buying a firearm for yourself when you are purchasing it for someone else, regardless of the circumstances,” United States Attorney Will Thompson said in a news release. “Straw purchasers illegally put firearms in the wrong hands. In this case, the firearm was given to a dangerous felon and that led to tragic consequences.”





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