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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s general counsel, S. Travis Mayo, has ordered Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines to resign by the end of the week or face removal proceedings. Stines, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, must submit his resignation to the Letcher county judge/executive by Friday. If Stines does not resign, Mayo will move forward with removing him under state law. Stines, who surrendered to authorities after the shooting, has 20 days to prepare a defense.
The shooting at the Letcher County courthouse occurred after an argument and the authorities have not disclosed a motive. Three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in a federal civil case alleging that a deputy under his supervision abused a woman in Mullins’ chambers. Stines’ lawyer argued that he was protected from being sued due to his position as an elected official and law enforcement officer.
Kentucky State Police are investigating the shooting and have not ruled out any possible motives. Stines’ lawyer in the civil case stated that he does not know anything about the shooting beyond what has been reported in the news. The Letcher County Sheriff’s Office and Judge/Executive have not commented on the situation.
In summary, Sheriff Stines is facing removal proceedings if he does not resign following the shooting of Judge Mullins, and the authorities are investigating any possible links between the shooting and the federal civil case against Stines.
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