District Judge Kevin Mullins’ fatal shooting in his chambers on September 19, 2024, has shaken the Appalachian community to its core. The alleged perpetrator, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, reportedly entered Mullins’ office and fired multiple rounds, killing the judge. Stines, 43, voluntarily surrendered to authorities shortly after the incident and resigned from his position the following week.
Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that Mullins died from multiple gunshot wounds. While the motive remains unclear, authorities are investigating reports of a verbal altercation that preceded the shooting. Stines, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, is being held in another county as the case unfolds.
Allegations of corruption and abuse of power
The case took a darker turn with emerging allegations against Judge Mullins. Sabrina Adkins, a key witness and defendant on house arrest, alleged that Mullins used his chambers as a site for illicit activities. In chilling audio obtained by NewsNation, Adkins described “videotapes of some stuff” showing Mullins and others engaging in sexual acts with women in exchange for judicial favors.
Adkins claimed to have witnessed Mullins having sex with women in his chambers in return for leniency, including reduced bail conditions. She further alleged that former deputy Ben Fields, who has been convicted of multiple crimes, including rape and tampering with evidence, facilitated these acts. Fields reportedly coerced Adkins into sexual acts, leveraging her financial inability to pay for an ankle monitor.
A federal lawsuit filed by Adkins in January 2022 accused Fields of escalating misconduct, including instances of forcible kissing and intercourse, all occurring in Mullins’ chambers after hours.
Defense and ongoing investigations
Stines’ defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has signaled that these allegations will play a pivotal role in the case, suggesting they provide context for the sheriff’s actions. “It’s a large story… difficult to tell,” Bartley remarked during a November 25 hearing. “We look forward to sharing a more complete version of that as we go through this judicial process.”
Adkins’ attorney, Ned Pillersdorf, characterized the alleged misconduct in stark terms, stating, “It’s like they were running a brothel out of that courtroom.”
As investigations continue, the case has revealed a deeply troubling narrative of power abuse and judicial corruption, sparking outrage and demands for systemic accountability within the legal system.