Sheriff Kills Judge at Center of Alleged Sextortion Scheme

LETCHER COUNTY, KY - A Kentucky sheriff fatally shot a judge accused of running a sextortion scheme where women on house arrest were allegedly coerced into exchanging sexual favors for leniency, according to court documents and witness testimony.

Witness Sabrina Adkins, herself on house arrest, claimed she was coerced into sexual acts with former sheriff’s deputy Ben Fields and observed similar activity involving U.S. District Judge Kevin Mullins. Adkins alleged the judge’s chambers were used as a secret venue for these acts, which reportedly occurred multiple times without surveillance cameras present.

“It’s like they were running a brothel out of that courtroom,” said Adkins’ attorney, Ned Pillersdorf. Adkins stated she had sex with Fields to avoid additional penalties tied to her ankle monitor, adding that Fields removed the device in exchange for sexual favors.

Mullins, who was fatally shot by Sheriff Shawn Stines in September, had been under scrutiny for these allegations. Investigators revealed the sheriff and judge engaged in a verbal dispute shortly before the shooting. Stines allegedly entered Mullins’ chambers alone before firing the fatal shots and later surrendered to police. He pleaded not guilty to the murder of a public official.

The sextortion claims were filed as part of a federal lawsuit in January 2022. During his deposition, Stines denied involvement but acknowledged learning of the allegations after the lawsuit’s filing. Fields, meanwhile, has been convicted on separate charges of rape and other offenses.

The case has drawn widespread attention for its shocking allegations and raises questions about abuses of power within the Letcher County judicial system. Investigators continue to piece together events leading up to the shooting as Stines prepares to face trial.