WHITESBURG, KY — August 20, 2025 – Nearly a year after the shocking courthouse shooting of Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, new allegations have surfaced accusing the late jurist of operating a coercive sex ring from inside his chambers. The claims, made by multiple witnesses and one named accuser, paint a disturbing picture of systemic abuse, manipulation, and sexual exploitation allegedly carried out under the guise of judicial authority.
Mullins, 54, was fatally shot in September 2024 while seated in his chambers at the Letcher County Circuit Court. The alleged shooter, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. “Mickey” Stines, was a longtime friend of Mullins and is currently awaiting trial. While the motive for the killing remains under investigation, emerging testimony suggests that the shooting may be linked to a broader pattern of misconduct involving the judge.
Allegations of Coercion and Exploitation
In a televised interview with NewsNation, accuser Tya Adams claimed that Mullins used his position as a judge—and previously as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney—to coerce young women into sex acts under threat of legal retaliation. Adams stated that Mullins introduced her to a network of men who participated in “wild sex parties,” where women were allegedly paid for sex and “performances” in exchange for leniency in court proceedings or protection from Child Protective Services.
“He’s the one with the power,” Adams said. “He holds my entire life in his hands. He’s the one who makes the decisions over whether I get to keep my children or not. He’s the one who makes the decisions on whether I go to jail”.
Adams described the environment as psychologically abusive, stating that Mullins and others “made sure to make you feel as small and degraded and belittled as possible to take your power away”. She added that while some encounters were technically consensual, they were rooted in fear and manipulation. “It was consensual. But we were so young, and then they used it against us to destroy our lives later,” she said.
“Running a Brothel”: Witness Accounts
Additional witnesses have corroborated elements of Adams’ account. One unnamed individual told investigators that Mullins ran his chambers “like a brothel,” and was seen engaging in sexual activity with a young woman inside the courthouse office. Another witness, Sarah Davis, a former deputy jailer at Letcher County Jail, said she was invited to one of the alleged sex parties by Mullins himself, which she declined.
“Pretty much everybody in the county knows,” Davis said. “But it was confirmed to me after working in the county jail, especially after being invited to a party myself”.
Davis added that while she never witnessed sexual activity firsthand, the stories she heard were “nasty and sickening,” and that the culture surrounding the courthouse was one of normalized exploitation. “They’re all swingers. It’s all a big party to them. It was just so normal,” Adams echoed.
Legal Fallout and Defense Strategy
The allegations have taken on new significance in the legal proceedings against Sheriff Stines, who is accused of shooting Mullins in his chambers. Defense attorneys have hinted that the emerging claims may form part of their strategy, suggesting that Stines acted in response to knowledge of Mullins’ alleged misconduct.
In court filings, attorneys have referenced audio recordings and witness statements that suggest a “sex-for-favors” scheme operating not just within the courthouse but throughout the town of Whitesburg. Legal experts caution that while motive may influence sentencing, it does not absolve criminal liability in homicide cases.
Institutional Silence and Community Reaction
The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission has not issued a formal statement regarding the allegations, citing the judge’s death and the ongoing criminal proceedings. The Administrative Office of the Courts has declined to comment, and no internal investigation has been announced.
Local residents have expressed a mix of shock, anger, and resignation. “We trusted him to uphold the law, not abuse it,” said one courthouse employee who asked to remain anonymous. “If even half of what they’re saying is true, it’s a betrayal of everything the justice system stands for.”
Others have voiced skepticism, noting that the allegations only surfaced after Mullins’ death. “It’s convenient timing,” said one local defense attorney. “But if there’s evidence, it needs to be examined thoroughly.”
Broader Implications for Judicial Oversight
The case has reignited calls for stronger oversight of judicial conduct in rural jurisdictions. Advocacy groups argue that small-town courts often lack the transparency and accountability mechanisms found in larger systems, making them vulnerable to abuse.
“This is a textbook example of unchecked power,” said Nadine Strossen, former president of the ACLU. “When a judge can operate without meaningful oversight, the potential for exploitation is enormous.”
Lawmakers in Kentucky have proposed legislation to expand whistleblower protections for courthouse employees and mandate annual ethics audits for district judges. The bill, introduced in the state legislature earlier this month, has gained bipartisan support.
Looking Ahead
As the criminal case against Sheriff Stines moves forward, the allegations against Judge Mullins are likely to remain a focal point. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue posthumous investigations or civil remedies related to the alleged sex ring.
For now, the community of Whitesburg is left grappling with the fallout of a scandal that has shaken its legal foundation. The courthouse where Mullins once presided now stands as a symbol of both justice and betrayal—a reminder of the power entrusted to public officials, and the consequences when that power is abused.
References
- Garino, K. (2025, August 20). Kentucky Judge shot dead in courthouse ‘ran depraved sex ring’, accuser claims. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15016475/Kentucky-Judge-kevin-mullins-shot-dead-courthouse-ran-sex-ring-accuser-claims-tya-adams.html
- Taub, R. (2025, August 19). Killed judge made people feel degraded, demanded sex: Accuser. NewsNation. https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/kentucky-judge-mullins-sex-parties-victim/
- Law & Crime. (2025, August 20). Judge killed by sheriff was ‘running a brothel’: Lawyer. https://lawandcrime.com/crime/running-a-brothel-judge-killed-in-chambers-by-sheriff-was-part-of-sextortion-scheme-where-women-on-house-arrest-exchanged-sex-for-special-treatment-lawyer-says/