The Letcher County sheriff resigns before preliminary hearing on murder charges

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines has resigned after he was accused of invading a judge's office and killing him.

One of Stines' attorneys describes his resignation from the Letcher County sheriff position after a long career in law enforcement as retirement.

The lawyer said Stines' decision was not the result of an ultimatum or a concession to prosecutors' allegations.

Gov. Andy Beshear's office sent a letter to Stines last week asking him to resign by Friday or action would be taken to remove him.

Stines pleaded not guilty to murder. He is scheduled to appear in court this afternoon for a preliminary hearing in Morgan County.

State police say the preliminary investigation indicates Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times after an argument at the courthouse.

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