Kentucky Judge Allegedly Tied to Sex-for-Favors Scandal; Former Sheriff Charged in His Murder

Chambers of Secrets: The Murder of Judge Kevin Mullins

New allegations have surfaced linking the late District Judge Kevin Mullins to a sex-for-favors scandal following his murder in September. Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. "Mickey" Stines, accused of fatally shooting Mullins in his courthouse chambers, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and murder of a public official.
Audio recordings obtained by NewsNation suggest Mullins may have been involved in sexual misconduct within his chambers. The recordings stem from an investigation into former Deputy Sheriff Ben Fields, convicted earlier this year of rape and sodomy involving a female inmate in 2022.
“He does have some videotapes of some stuff in the judge’s chambers… just with girls, sexual and stuff,” Sabrina Adkins said in the recordings. Adkins, who has spoken publicly about Fields’ alleged abuses of power, claims to have seen a video involving Mullins.
Adkins described the footage to investigators, saying, “I seen Judge Mullins having sex with a girl... in his office, in the judge’s chambers.” She asserted that Mullins was part of an illicit arrangement granting favorable treatment, including bail, in exchange for sexual acts.
Adkins’ attorney, Ned Pillersdorf, told NewsNation, “It’s like they were running a brothel out of that courtroom.”
The allegations date back to 2021 when Adkins, under house arrest, informed Fields she could not afford to pay for her ankle monitor. According to her lawsuit, Fields suggested they could "work something out." Adkins and another woman later filed a civil rights lawsuit against Fields in 2022, alleging abuse of power.
Fields, who was fired by Stines after the lawsuit was filed, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in jail. Stines was also named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to properly train or supervise Fields.
Days before Mullins’ death, Stines was deposed in the ongoing civil lawsuit. He denied knowledge of any misconduct. However, Adkins’ claims implicate both Fields and Mullins in a broader scheme of corruption.
Mullins served as a judge for 15 years before his death. Stines, arrested at the courthouse shortly after Mullins’ killing, faces severe charges. Despite the mounting allegations, Stines has maintained his innocence.
The investigation into the case continues, with the newly surfaced recordings raising questions about the extent of misconduct in Letcher County’s judicial system.
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