Gov. Andy Beshear seeks resignation of Kentucky sheriff charged in shooting death of judge

Gov. Andy Beshear is seeking the resignation of a Kentucky sheriff charged with killing a local judge.

Beshear’s office sent Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines a letter dated Sept. 25 asking him to submit his resignation by the end of the day Friday to the county judge-executive, Terry Adams, who would appoint a replacement.

The letter said if Stines doesn’t quit, Beshear will start the process of removing him.

State law allows the governor to remove a peace officer for neglect of duty.

Stines is charged with shooting Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins to death in Mullins’ office in the county courthouse on Sept. 19.

Police have not released a motive but said there was a brief, personal argument between the two before Stines allegedly shot Mullins, 54.

Stines surrendered immediately after the shooting and has been in jail since. The court record does not indicate a bond has been set for him.

Stines’ incarceration has created questions about a potential delay in sending out property-tax bills. Kentucky sheriffs typically send those bills out around Oct. 1.

Beshear’s office sent the letter to Stines at the Leslie County Jail, where he is being held. It was signed by S. Travis Mayo, Beshear’s general counsel.

If Stines chooses not to resign, he has the right to contest the removal. Beshear would hear evidence and make the decision, according to the statute.

Beshear said during a news conference Thursday that if Stines refuses to quit, the process of removing him could take up to six months.

Beshear said he hopes Stines will resign.

“Every Kentucky county deserves an active and a working sheriff,” Beshear said.

Beshear said there is “more than enough” evidence to justify removing Stines from office, though he stressed that was not a comment on the criminal case against the sheriff.

The standard for a criminal conviction would be different than the standard for removing Stines.

Stines, 43, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday.

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