Kentucky - Judge killed, sheriff arrested in Letcher County courthouse shooting - Sep. 19, 2024 # 4

[Elley Mae]

snipped

Would love to know the happenings on the days from Sept 15-19, of both the judge and the sheriff.

jmopinion

The 15th was a Thursday and the day of the shooting was Monday the nineteenth.
Seems it was a long weekend for Stines to stew about what he learned from the deposition.

Jmo

 

[Inthedetails]

The 15th was a Thursday and the day of the shooting was Monday the nineteenth.
Seems it was a long weekend for Stines to stew about what he learned from the deposition.

Jmo

Good thinking.

This is why I love timelines - they can provide some insights and ideas.

jmopinion

 

[Seattle1]

Now that Brian Entin is on this case, I think he will force some answers from both the State Police and the AG's office about the earlier investigation that led to the criminal indictment of Ben Fields, and he won't hesitate to inquire whether or not the investigation expanded to include Judge Mullins.

However, before the conspiracies and click-bait trailers for News Nation get out of control, I must caution that BE's producer, Alison Weiner, is spreading some false information specific to the civil suit. In the last YT I viewed, she claimed that Ben Fields was the perp who assaulted the plaintiffs-- which is true, but also claimed that Mickey Stines was singled out when he was named in the lawsuit personally, and how targeting Stines is what led to his shooting of Mullins. First, this comment is blatantly false! Whereas Fields was named in the civil suit both individually and in his official capacity as a Deputy of the Letcher County Sheriff's Office, Mickey Stines was only named in the civil suit in his Official Capacity as Letcher County Sheriff.

Take note that it's long understood that Official-capacity suits are simply “another way of pleading an action against an entity of which an officer is an agent.” Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 166 (1985). This was further represented by the Court's action on 4/3/2025-- after Mickey Stines resigned as Sheriff from Letcher County, the Court ordered Billy Jones substituted as the successor to Mickey Stines.

14) April 3, 2025 - Civil Court Order: Stines' Motion for Substitution of Successor (FRCP 25(d)) (R.
145) is GRANTED. Billy Jones is substituted as the successor to Mickey Stines as named Letcher County Sheriff in this matter. Signed by Magistrate Judge Edward B. Atkins on 4/3/2025.

8/19/25

Judge's murder exposes secret sex ring in small Kentucky town -- Sheriff accused of killing Judge​

 

[tlcya]

[SB tlcya for focus]

Whereas Fields was named in the civil suit both individually and in his official capacity as a Deputy of the Letcher County Sheriff's Office, Mickey Stines was only named in the civil suit in his Official Capacity as Letcher County Sheriff.

Take note that it's long understood that Official-capacity suits are simply “another way of pleading an action against an entity of which an officer is an agent.” Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 166 (1985). This was further represented by the Court's action on 4/3/2025-- after Mickey Stines resigned as Sheriff from Letcher County, the Court ordered Billy Jones substituted as the successor to Mickey Stines.

[SB tlcya]

agree, this has been IMO purposefully disseminated incorrectly by some to suggest something entirely different, because, way more salacious.

 

[shirleesnoturfriend]

that is the puzzler. Was there an EPO on Stines? If so who issued it? Was that the file he seemed so anxious to talk to Mullins about? Did he even talk to Mullins about it? How did he explain his need for the judge's phone in such a way that the judge just handed it over?

Not an EPO but mickeys family ( this is my theory after alot of research) contacted The judge in an attempt to do like a fifty one fifty because mickey had been acting crazy. Sometime During that day Michael Clark told mickey about it and he confronted the judge. He shot the judge in fear of being involuntary committed and blamed for the scandals.

 

[Betty P]

The 15th was a Thursday and the day of the shooting was Monday the nineteenth.
Seems it was a long weekend for Stines to stew about what he learned from the deposition.

Jmo

Do people really learn much at a deposition, though? Doesn't a deposition mostly consist of attorneys asking him questions? Maybe he learned something new from a question he was asked, but he also could have realized from the depo that he might be in trouble. IDK. I still have more questions than answers about this case.

 

[doublestop]

Not an EPO but mickeys family ( this is my theory after alot of research) contacted The judge in an attempt to do like a fifty one fifty because mickey had been acting crazy. Sometime During that day Michael Clark told mickey about it and he confronted the judge. He shot the judge in fear of being involuntary committed and blamed for the scandals.

Now that's an interesting idea that might explain several things.

 

[Seattle1]

[SB tlcya for focus]

agree, this has been IMO purposefully disseminated incorrectly by some to suggest something entirely different, because, way more salacious.

Indeed. However, in Allison Weiner's (News Nation/BE Producer) defense, I think Stines defense attorney Bartley has some culpability here because at one point, he pretty much insinuated that Stines was less than credible in his deposition on 9/16/24 -- to where the attorneys in the civil suit were ready to Motion Stines be re-deposed! (Producer Weiner indicated in the recent BE YT that she was waiting on a reply from defense's Jeremey Bartley who is probably using this platform to gauge the pasta at the wall strategy). JMO

Earlier deposition may play role in defense for sheriff in judge shooting, lawyer says

More than two months after the fatal shooting of Letcher County Judge Kevin Mullins, ex-Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines was back in court Monday.

www.yahoo.com

 

[KooshBall]

Do people really learn much at a deposition, though? Doesn't a deposition mostly consist of attorneys asking him questions? Maybe he learned something new from a question he was asked, but he also could have realized from the depo that he might be in trouble. IDK. I still have more questions than answers about this case.

I eas going to post something similar. I have given a deposition before as part of a lawsuit. I was in a room with only my attorney at my side, and the defendent's attorney, who asked the questions. I had no idea what went on in anyone else's deposition so I definitely did not learn anything about the case.

 

[Seattle1]

Why was CPS mentioned?

The victims of the subject "sextortion" who have all gone public-- including the plaintiffs in the January 2022 civil lawsuit-- all have criminal records. Most involve charges related to drug possession and substance abuse.

Sextortion victim Kaya gave the example of CPS being used to control her staying loyal (and silent) to trading sex for favors after she gave birth to her child and tested positive for Suboxone-- which she was prescribed in her drug addiction program. If I understand correctly, in KY, up until recently, Medicaid and the Addiction Treatment Center--which was authorized to dispense her 3-day allotment of Subox-- were all intertwined. When her clinic closed while she was in the hospital, and no personnel were available on the spot to confirm her Subox Rx to Medicaid-- who confirms to CPS, they reminded her that she was at risk of losing her newborn infant! Kaya claims Judge Mullins was livid about the harassment she experienced while in hospital, and went on record defending her, and cited CPS for demonstrating abuse of power-- especially when it's well understood that the treatment clinic doors are only as permanent as their funding.

Specific to Letcher County, it seems the majority of the female offenders go through "drug court" and are sent to Addiction Treatment Centers instead of incarceration. Judge Mullins was eulogized at his funeral as a state leader and innovator in opioid treatment.

Several judges from across the state spoke at the funeral, sharing their personal experiences and billing Mullins as leader in the fights against opioid addiction and in support of the mental health needs of people going through the court system.

Since I started following this case, I've learned that the State of KY has already received hundreds of millions in settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors that contributed to the nationwide opioid epidemic, and the monies funding the treatment centers are continuing.

Reportedly, 2025 treatment grants will exceed $12M.

Grants totaling $19.8 million to support addiction recovery and prevention efforts

Opioid abatement commission announces latest grant recipients

kaco.org

Funeral services held for Kentucky judge allegedly shot by sheriff in courthouse chamber

District Judge Kevin R. Mullins, 54, was remembered Sunday for his work in the fight against opioid addiction.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Seattle1]

Former inmate claims murdered judge was involved in sex-for-favors schemes

A recovered drug addict and former inmate is speaking out about alleged sexual misconduct by murdered Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins.

www.lex18.com

8/21/25

The Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts said in an email that it has no record of receiving information suggesting misconduct by Mullins.

"The only allegations reported to the AOC involving Judge Mullins' chambers were made by the judge regarding the federal lawsuit filed about non-judicial staff engaging in sexual acts in his office," the statement read.

The office said security cameras were added to the judge's chambers at Mullins' request.

PREVIOUS ALLEGATIONS

Adams is not the first to make such accusations. In December, LEX 18 reported that another female inmate, Sabrina Adkins, told investigators with the Kentucky Attorney General's Office about similar claims in 2022, but nothing came from that investigation.

ETA: MSM just answered two of my questions!

 

[Seattle1]

Do people really learn much at a deposition, though? Doesn't a deposition mostly consist of attorneys asking him questions? Maybe he learned something new from a question he was asked, but he also could have realized from the depo that he might be in trouble. IDK. I still have more questions than answers about this case.

The way I see it, the main questions were long ago admitted and/or answered:

1) This is a civil lawsuit, and the Plaintiff's demand is for financial relief.

2) Defendant Stines, in his Official Capacity as Letcher County Sheriff, is alleged to be liable to Plaintiff for deliberate indifference in failing to adequately train and supervise Defendant Fields.

3) As to the claims against Stines in his official capacity as the Letcher County Sheriff, these claims are treated as claims against the county. Official-capacity suits are simply “another way of pleading an action against an entity of which an officer is an agent.” Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 166 (1985). Let's be honest, compensatory and punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees need far deeper pockets than those worn by Stines.

4) On the date of Stines depo [9/16/24], Fields had long been Indicted by the grand jury, charged, convicted, and sentenced for the same crimes that are the subject of this civil suit. Fields had also completed his 5-month sentence and was already released from incarceration.

JMO

 

[OldAce]

The way I see it, the main questions were long ago admitted and/or answered:

1) This is a civil lawsuit, and the Plaintiff's demand is for financial relief.

2) Defendant Stines, in his Official Capacity as Letcher County Sheriff, is alleged to be liable to Plaintiff for deliberate indifference in failing to adequately train and supervise Defendant Fields.

3) As to the claims against Stines in his official capacity as the Letcher County Sheriff, these claims are treated as claims against the county. Official-capacity suits are simply “another way of pleading an action against an entity of which an officer is an agent.” Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 166 (1985). Let's be honest, compensatory and punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees need far deeper pockets than those worn by Stines.

4) On the date of Stines depo [9/16/24], Fields had long been Indicted by the grand jury, charged, convicted, and sentenced for the same crimes that are the subject of this civil suit. Fields had also completed his 5-month sentence and was already released from incarceration.

JMO

Well, back to the original question: Why did Stines shoot Mullins, and on cameras?
Seems to me it was due to something he had recently learned/gotten proof of, etc.
Must have been very concerning to him and his family to throw any defense to the winds and get'er done.
And, with the initial talk of rumors that went quiet but now it seems there is some who will speak openly. Wisps of smoke, dampened down, now beginning to rise again heavily.... Well, smoke has a cause. I think the actual root cause of all this will be amazing when revealed. JMO

 

[Luna20]

The victims of the subject "sextortion" who have all gone public-- including the plaintiffs in the January 2022 civil lawsuit-- all have criminal records. Most involve charges related to drug possession and substance abuse.

Sextortion victim Kaya gave the example of CPS being used to control her staying loyal (and silent) to trading sex for favors after she gave birth to her child and tested positive for Suboxone-- which she was prescribed in her drug addiction program. If I understand correctly, in KY, up until recently, Medicaid and the Addiction Treatment Center--which was authorized to dispense her 3-day allotment of Subox-- were all intertwined. When her clinic closed while she was in the hospital, and no personnel were available on the spot to confirm her Subox Rx to Medicaid-- who confirms to CPS, they reminded her that she was at risk of losing her newborn infant! Kaya claims Judge Mullins was livid about the harassment she experienced while in hospital, and went on record defending her, and cited CPS for demonstrating abuse of power-- especially when it's well understood that the treatment clinic doors are only as permanent as their funding.

Specific to Letcher County, it seems the majority of the female offenders go through "drug court" and are sent to Addiction Treatment Centers instead of incarceration. Judge Mullins was eulogized at his funeral as a state leader and innovator in opioid treatment.

Several judges from across the state spoke at the funeral, sharing their personal experiences and billing Mullins as leader in the fights against opioid addiction and in support of the mental health needs of people going through the court system.

Since I started following this case, I've learned that the State of KY has already received hundreds of millions in settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors that contributed to the nationwide opioid epidemic, and the monies funding the treatment centers are continuing.

Reportedly, 2025 treatment grants will exceed $12M.

Grants totaling $19.8 million to support addiction recovery and prevention efforts

Opioid abatement commission announces latest grant recipients

kaco.org

Funeral services held for Kentucky judge allegedly shot by sheriff in courthouse chamber

District Judge Kevin R. Mullins, 54, was remembered Sunday for his work in the fight against opioid addiction.

www.nbcnews.com

Wow, thanks @Seattle1 for the thorough response. I couldn’t figure out why CPS would be involved.

I wish every state and judge would be actively involved in fighting the drug war. It’s an all hands on deck situation.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

Well, back to the original question: Why did Stines shoot Mullins, and on cameras?

I've forgotten many of the details of this case. But having just read above that the security camera(s) in his chambers were installed at Mullins' request, I have to ask: do we know with certainty that Stines knew the cameras were there?

 

[worm]

I've forgotten many of the details of this case. But having just read above that the security camera(s) in his chambers were installed at Mullins' request, I have to ask: do we know with certainty that Stines knew the cameras were there?

I wondered this too but figured that he had too know unless it was intentionally kept from him.

 

[bluestsocks]

The victims of the subject "sextortion" who have all gone public-- including the plaintiffs in the January 2022 civil lawsuit-- all have criminal records. Most involve charges related to drug possession and substance abuse.

Sextortion victim Kaya gave the example of CPS being used to control her staying loyal (and silent) to trading sex for favors after she gave birth to her child and tested positive for Suboxone-- which she was prescribed in her drug addiction program. If I understand correctly, in KY, up until recently, Medicaid and the Addiction Treatment Center--which was authorized to dispense her 3-day allotment of Subox-- were all intertwined. When her clinic closed while she was in the hospital, and no personnel were available on the spot to confirm her Subox Rx to Medicaid-- who confirms to CPS, they reminded her that she was at risk of losing her newborn infant! Kaya claims Judge Mullins was livid about the harassment she experienced while in hospital, and went on record defending her, and cited CPS for demonstrating abuse of power-- especially when it's well understood that the treatment clinic doors are only as permanent as their funding.

Specific to Letcher County, it seems the majority of the female offenders go through "drug court" and are sent to Addiction Treatment Centers instead of incarceration. Judge Mullins was eulogized at his funeral as a state leader and innovator in opioid treatment.

Several judges from across the state spoke at the funeral, sharing their personal experiences and billing Mullins as leader in the fights against opioid addiction and in support of the mental health needs of people going through the court system.

Since I started following this case, I've learned that the State of KY has already received hundreds of millions in settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors that contributed to the nationwide opioid epidemic, and the monies funding the treatment centers are continuing.

Reportedly, 2025 treatment grants will exceed $12M.

Grants totaling $19.8 million to support addiction recovery and prevention efforts

Opioid abatement commission announces latest grant recipients

kaco.org

Funeral services held for Kentucky judge allegedly shot by sheriff in courthouse chamber

District Judge Kevin R. Mullins, 54, was remembered Sunday for his work in the fight against opioid addiction.

www.nbcnews.com

I feel like it’s also worth mentioning too that if you’re on suboxone/methadone while pregnant, you have to continue to take it, or you can risk miscarriage.

 

[Dotta]

I've forgotten many of the details of this case. But having just read above that the security camera(s) in his chambers were installed at Mullins' request, I have to ask: do we know with certainty that Stines knew the cameras were there?

It doesn't really matter IMO.
Because
the Sheriff turned himself in immediately after the shooting
and admitted killing the Judge.

 

[AppleTreeGreen]

If true, the sexual exploitation and coercion occurring in this jail, rehab and courthouse system is sickening. These officials are supposed to uphold the law but instead they use they use their positions to violate, dehumanize and rape those they consider “under them”. Perhaps in place of donning a robe or pinning their shield on, they should just dress in prison uniforms since that is where it sounds some of officials and leaders belong.

As the first victim implied, these officials think they can argue it isn’t rape but then don’t care to ask themselves how they can expect a someone to give their genuine or full consent when you strip away their abilities to say no? By carrying out tactics such as forcing victims to go back to court and using policies and procedures to unfairly or unjustly withhold custody of their own children, their freedom and even safety, removing inmates from the jail cell to the officers’ actual own homes or an empty courthouse where they can made be even more vulnerable and at risk of being alone and hurt, these officials didn’t just find some magical loophole but perpetuated another cycle of harm, violence, abuse and unmitigated control and power.

Not to mention, if true, the referenced use of drugs to further take advantage of their victims.

Like other mentioned, I do hope this is further investigated and that each victim can or feels like they can do so safely, securely and with the time he or she needs and without fear of retaliation or harm. They are humans before they are mothers, daughters, sons, patients, recovered or whatever label the court system places on them and they deserve to have their rights and persons recognized and adhered to as such.

Also, not to say Judge Mullins deserved in any way to be so brutally killed, far from it. He and his family, like any and all possible victims of the abuse, crimes and allegations mentioned above, deserve justice.

Just all my opinion

Sorry if I wrote too much I just found it infuriating, my apologies

 

[Elley Mae]

That is interesting that mullins had the cameras installed in his chamber where the sex acts were taking place. Would be interesting to find out who installed it and when, was it billed to the court or did he pay for it. Who had access to play and watch what was on the footage?

Jmo