A Kentucky judge, U.S. District Judge Kevin Mullins, was tragically shot and killed in his chambers by the local sheriff, Shawn Stines, under disturbing circumstances that have since come to light. According to allegations from a witness in a separate criminal case, Mullins was involved in a notorious sextortion scheme that involved women on house arrest engaging in sexual acts in exchange for special treatment, including avoiding fees or jail time. The claims suggest that Mullins ran a brothel-like operation within his courtroom, with his chambers serving as a secret meeting place for these illicit activities.
Sabrina Adkins, a defendant who had been placed on house arrest, is at the center of the claims. In an audio recording obtained from a criminal case involving former deputy Ben Fields, who was convicted of serious charges including rape, sodomy, and perjury, Adkins described seeing explicit video footage of Mullins engaging in sexual acts with women. These women allegedly performed sexual favors to gain leniency in their legal situations, such as having their ankle monitors removed or staying out of jail. According to Adkins, Fields, who had been a frequent visitor to Mullins’ chambers, was also implicated in the scheme. Adkins went on to detail her own experiences, where Fields coerced her into sexual acts by offering her special treatment in exchange for compliance.
The disturbing details came to light in a civil lawsuit filed by Adkins in 2022. Her complaint, filed against Fields, alleged that he took off her ankle monitor and promised that she could avoid associated fees and continue house arrest if she engaged in sexual favors for him. Over several meetings, these encounters escalated, with Adkins claiming that she was forced to comply due to her vulnerable position and Fields’ abuse of power. The complaint further stated that these events took place in Mullins’ chambers after hours, with no surveillance cameras to detect or record the activities.
As the case involving Stines progressed, Adkins’ claims gained prominence. Stines’ lawyer, Jeremy Bartley, emphasized the significance of Adkins’ allegations and Stines’ deposition in her civil case. The defense believes that these elements will be critical in defending Stines, as they suggest a larger, more complex story behind the events leading to the judge’s death. Stines’ lawyer has indicated that more details will emerge during the judicial process, which may shed light on the full extent of the alleged scandal.
Adkins’ attorney, Ned Pillersdorf, has expressed that the situation is unsurprising given the shocking nature of the claims. He likened the activities within the courthouse to a brothel, highlighting the systemic abuse of power and exploitation that allegedly took place under the guise of legal proceedings.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Stines has denied any involvement in the sextortion scheme during his deposition. He claimed he only became aware of the situation after the lawsuit was filed, distancing himself from the scandal. Nonetheless, the nature of his actions that day, which led to Mullins’ death, remains under investigation. Stines allegedly entered the courthouse and requested to speak with Mullins alone before the shooting occurred. Reports indicate that an argument ensued between the two men, but the exact details of what transpired before the fatal shots remain unclear. Stines, who later surrendered to police, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of the public official.
The case has drawn significant attention not only due to the shocking nature of the allegations but also because of the wider implications they may have on the integrity of the local justice system. As the investigation continues, the full scope of the corruption, if proven true, will likely have serious ramifications for the individuals involved and for the judicial system in Kentucky.
