A Kentucky judge, gunned down in his chambers by a local sheriff, is at the center of explosive allegations involving corruption and sexual exploitation. Witness testimony in a related criminal case has brought forth claims that U.S. District Judge Kevin Mullinsย was โrunning a brothelโ from his courtroom, offering leniency in exchange for sexual favors.
Shocking Allegations Surface in Court
Sabrina Adkins, a defendant in a separate case, alleged that footage exists of Mullins engaging in sexual acts with women in exchange for reduced sentences or bail considerations. In an audio recording obtained by NewsNation, Adkins described witnessing acts involving Mullins and other officials in the judgeโs chambers, which reportedly lacked surveillance cameras.
Adkins, who has filed a federal lawsuit, claimed that former sheriffโs deputy Ben Fields used Mullinsโ chambers to coerce her into sexual acts. The lawsuit details instances of Fields escalating his behavior from flirtation to forcible encounters, citing his authority and her financial inability to pay for an ankle monitor as leverage.
The Shooting and Defense Strategy
The allegations were thrust into the spotlight during a court hearing for former sheriff Shawn Stines, who is accused of fatally shooting Mullins. Stinesโ attorney argued that these claims, along with Stinesโ deposition in Adkinsโ lawsuit, are critical to his defense.
โThis is a complex story, and we look forward to presenting a more complete version during the judicial process,โ Stinesโ lawyer, Jeremy Bartley, said.
A Web of Corruption
The revelations have painted a grim picture of alleged corruption involving Mullins, Fields, and others. Adkinsโ attorney, Ned Pillersdorf, told reporters, โItโs like they were running a brothel out of that courtroom.โ
Stines has denied any involvement in the alleged sextortion scheme. Investigators, meanwhile, continue to unravel the events leading up to Mullinsโ death, which reportedly followed a heated argument between the judge and Stines.
Whatโs Next?
Stines, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a public official, faces a legal battle that may expose deeper layers of corruption within the Letcher County judicial system.
Comentรกrios