The Kentucky courtroom where Judge Kevin Mullins was allegedly shot and killed by local Sheriff Mickey Stines had a dark history of sex crimes with ties to both the judge and the sheriff.
A former Stines deputy is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of raping a former inmate inside Mullins’ chamber, where he told her there were no cameras. According to WYMT Now.
Former inmate Sabrina Adkins claims in a federal lawsuit that she couldn’t afford an ankle monitor and didn’t want to return to the Letcher County Jail.
Officer Ben Fields forced her to perform sexual favors in order to remain under house arrest, according to a federal lawsuit in 2022.
Sheriff Stines was named as a defendant in the case and was scheduled to make a statement on Monday, four days before he allegedly killed the judge.
Kentucky District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was fatally shot multiple times inside his chambers Thursday.
Those cameras at the Letcher County Courthouse have dark ties to alleged gunman Sheriff Mickey Stine.
The lawsuit claims Sheriff Stines failed to “respond reasonably” to reports or suspicions of sexual abuse and had a “deliberate indifference in failing to adequately train and supervise” Fields. The New York Times reports.
It’s not clear from court documents whether Mullins was aware of the sexual assault in his office at the time or was involved in any wrongdoing, but court documents name him as someone with information in the case.
It’s also unclear whether the sexual assault case may have been a motive for Thursday’s shooting, when Stines allegedly walked into Mullins’ office and told staff he needed to speak with the judge alone.
He and Mullins then entered the judge’s inner chambers, closed the door, and those outside heard several gunshots. according to The Mountain Eagle.
Stines then walked out with his hands up and surrendered to officers, who handcuffed him around 3 p.m. when Kentucky State Police officers found Mullins, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead at the scene.
The sheriff now faces first-degree murder charges and is said to be cooperating with State Police investigating the incident, the New York Times reported.
Authorities say Stines, 43, turned himself in to police after the shooting.
Thursday’s shooting temporarily shut down the local high school and shook the rural community of Whitesburg.
“This community is small by nature and we’re all in shock,” State Trooper Matt Gayheart said at an evening news conference.
He added that there were cameras inside the court and that all witnesses to the shooting will be interviewed by police as the motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Mullins had been appointed to serve as a judge in the state’s 47th District under former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009.
He oversaw juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic violations, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments, and domestic violence cases. according to a Letcher County website.
Mullins also gained recognition for his efforts to treat those with drug addiction rather than incarcerate them, starting a program in 2010 that allowed inmates with substance abuse disorders to enroll in inpatient treatment as a condition of pretrial release.
He was recently appointed to a state judicial commission on mental health and previously served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for nine and a half years, focusing on drug-related crimes.
Meanwhile, Stines was elected sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
The sheriff reportedly told court employees he needed to speak to Mullins alone, and the two entered his inner office and closed the door before witnesses heard gunshots.
Thursday’s shooting temporarily shut down the local high school and shook the rural community of Whitesburg.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said Thursday that his office will work with Jackie Steele, state attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, as special prosecutors on the case.
“We will investigate thoroughly and seek justice,” he announced on social media.
The Kentucky Court of Chancery has also said it is “in contact with law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, and is offering our full support during this difficult time.”
“While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way we can,” the court said on social media.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.’
Circuit and district courts, as well as the circuit court clerk’s office, will remain closed Friday following the shooting.