Hillbilly Crime Investigates

Elizabeth Jones
  • 3.0 (2)
  • True Crime

Hillbilly Crime is an independent Appalachian investigative podcast hosted by Elizabeth Jones. From the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, we dive deep into crime, corruption, power, and the real stories affecting rural communities that rarely make national headlines. As a single mom in recovery building an investigative media network from my living room, this podcast follows the truth wherever it leads — from courtroom documents and public records to the lived experiences of people in Appalachia. If you believe small towns deserve real journalism, you’re in the right place.

  1. 13h ago

    Mickey Stines Files Emergency Motion

    This video, from the Hillbilly Crime channel, provides a detailed legal update on the high-profile case involving Mickey Stines, the former Letcher County sheriff charged with the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins (9:18-10:14). Key developments discussed so far (up to 0:59:51): Appellate Challenge: The defense has filed a petition for a writ of prohibition with the Kentucky Court of Appeals to block a second court-ordered mental health examination, which was scheduled for October 14th (4:37-5:03, 33:06-33:38).Defense Argument: Stines' attorneys argue that the Commonwealth already utilized its right to a mental health exam via the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center (KCPC) and has failed to prove any technical deficiency or "good cause" that would justify a second, more intrusive exam (5:15-5:41, 1:04:16-1:04:35).Procedural Delays: The host highlights that this case has been "painfully slow," with over two years passing since the incident. There is significant frustration regarding the ongoing pre-trial motions and the fact that the initial KCPC report remains sealed, preventing the defense from utilizing it (11:52-12:04, 30:26-30:56).Legal Standard: The video delves into complex legal rules, specifically RCR 8.07 and CR 35.01, arguing that the prosecution is simply seeking a "do-over" because they were dissatisfied with the first expert's opinion, rather than demonstrating a legitimate necessity for new testing (1:07:54-1:08:17, 1:21:00-1:21:15).

    Mickey Stines Files Emergency Motion

  2. 3d ago

    Mickey Stines; What is Holding Up the Trial?

    This video, from the channel Hillbilly Crime, addresses the public concern and procedural delays surrounding the pre-trial phase for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines, who is charged with the 2024 shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins (3:32, 25:14). Key takeaways discussed include: Status of the Trial: Despite the defense stating they are prepared to go to trial, there is currently no set trial date (3:52, 113:19). The host argues that the public deserves transparency regarding the specific reasons for this delay (5:43, 114:22).Primary Hurdles: The video identifies the ongoing dispute over the final trial venue and a court-ordered additional mental health evaluation as major factors delaying the calendar (10:10, 110:12).Legal Context: The discussion covers Kentucky statutes related to change of venue (40:08) and legal standards for criminal responsibility versus extreme emotional disturbance (106:39).Community Impact: The host emphasizes that because the individuals involved were prominent local figures and the incident occurred in the local courthouse, the lack of a clear trial schedule has created a crisis of public trust in the judicial process (7:19, 114:53).

    Mickey Stines; What is Holding Up the Trial?

  3. 3d ago

    The Money Was the Leash

    This video from Hillbilly Crime investigates allegations of organized exploitation and grooming involving public officials in Letcher County, Kentucky. The host examines patterns of power, focusing on how status, financial control, and legal access are used to manipulate vulnerable individuals (4:41 - 8:56). Key areas of the investigation include: Judge Kevin Mullins: The host discusses rumors and historical allegations concerning Judge Kevin Mullins, including claims that he used his position for personal misconduct long before his time on the bench (10:41 - 20:25, 41:33 - 48:30).Daniel Dodson: The narrative explores the alleged grooming process used by Daniel Dodson, a former Domestic Relations Commissioner (DRC). The host describes a pattern of providing financial support and "rescue" fantasies to young, vulnerable women, which later shifted into coercive control and sexual exploitation (22:11 - 34:37).Systemic Issues: The video highlights how local power structures, including court access and law offices, allegedly created an environment where misconduct could persist through silence, intimidation, and the weaponization of legal systems (6:07 - 9:45, 117:02 - 118:05).Evidence: The host mentions the existence of potential evidence, including private investigator files and various recordings, while noting the difficulty of obtaining them for public verification (14:36 - 22:02, 38:29 - 40:15, 47:42 - 48:34).

    The Money Was the Leash

  4. 4d ago

    Who Investigated the Men Around Them?

    In this video, the creator discusses the systemic failures and issues within Letcher County, specifically focusing on how women and children are often left to perform the work of investigators to find justice. The host explores connections between various local figures and incidents, such as the case of Bill Meade (a former fire chief convicted of sexual abuse) and Ben Fields, highlighting how local power structures often isolate and intimidate victims rather than protecting them (3:07 - 1:16:55). Key themes and points discussed: Victim Burden: The creator emphasizes that victims, including children, are frequently forced to provide their own evidence (like audio recordings) to be taken seriously by the legal system, as seen in the Bill Meade case (12:10 - 18:16).Systemic Retaliation: The video alleges that individuals who speak out, such as Tasha Howard, face retaliation and pressure, including mandates to remove social media content as part of legal plea deals (27:02 - 29:51).Lack of Accountability: The host criticizes the lack of a broader investigation into local courthouse and law enforcement conduct, arguing that the system creates "vulnerable women and powerful men" and then silences those who report abuse (23:42 - 27:02).Need for Transparency: The creator advocates for a thorough "mapping" of local connections, family ties, and courthouse power dynamics to uncover the reality of organized crime in the area, rather than treating these cases as isolated incidents (18:16 - 22:51).

    Who Investigated the Men Around Them?

  5. 5d ago

    Stop Making Women Do Your Investigation

    This video, presented by Elizabeth on the Hillbilly Crime channel, argues that the legal and investigative burden in cases of systemic misconduct—specifically regarding Ben Fields and the Letcher County home-incarceration program—is unfairly placed on female victims rather than the institutions responsible for oversight. Key themes and points discussed include: The "Front Street" Phenomenon: The narrator highlights how women like Sabrina Adkins and the late Jennifer Hill were subjected to public humiliation, including the disclosure of private sexualized photos in legal discovery and the invasive questioning of their personal lives, while the perpetrators were often shielded or handled with legal brevity (8:33 - 13:00, 36:58 - 38:50).Systemic Failures: The video critiques the Attorney General's investigation and the Sheriff's Office for failing to conduct thorough inquiries early on, forcing victims to act as their own investigators, paralegals, and advocates (31:12 - 32:55, 1:39:57 - 1:40:42).Legal Nuance vs. Moral Reality: The narrator discusses the limitations of PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) in home-incarceration contexts and emphasizes that a financial settlement does not equate to the restoration of safety, credibility, or peace for the victims (54:16 - 56:30, 1:38:00 - 1:39:27).Recent Local Concerns: The latter half of the video shifts to discussing current events involving Commonwealth Attorney Matt Butler, questioning his recent focus on stalking legislation and his public conduct, as well as the ongoing legal atmosphere following the death of Judge Kevin Mullins (1:00:51 - 1:33:00, 1:42:15 - 1:42:55).

    Stop Making Women Do Your Investigation

  6. 5d ago

    No Comment in Mickey Stines Case

    This video, produced by the Hillbilly Crime channel, focuses on the procedural handling of the high-profile criminal case involving Mickey Stines, the former sheriff of Letcher County, Kentucky, who is charged with the murder of a sitting judge in his chambers. Key themes and events discussed include: Change of Venue Controversy: The creator critiques the legal process surrounding the motion to change the trial's venue. She highlights concerns that the three witnesses who provided affidavits—Matt Butler, Jamie Hatton, and Ashley Sturgill—had significant conflicts of interest or close ties to the case, yet their testimonies were accepted without sufficient skepticism by the court (0:03:58 - 0:15:15).Contradictory Testimony: The video examines excerpts from hearings where Jamie Hatton and Matt Butler testified. The creator points out perceived contradictions, such as Hatton claiming to have represented the defendant while simultaneously stating he had been discussing the case with hundreds of community members (0:12:00 - 0:13:00, 1:15:30 - 1:16:00).Retaliatory Tactics: The creator shares personal anecdotes regarding her own experiences with local law enforcement and social services, arguing that these authorities utilize intimidation and manipulative tactics against those who speak out or seek legal counsel (1:19:00 - 1:33:00).Social Media Influence: She discusses the disconnect between traditional legal views of a "community" and the reality of social media, where local news and opinions can spread globally (0:30:50 - 0:33:30).The host concludes by expressing frustration with the local judicial system and emphasizes her commitment to continuing her coverage despite the personal and professional pressure she faces.

    No Comment in Mickey Stines Case

  7. 5d ago

    Clancy CopyCat

    This video, hosted by Elizabeth from Hillbilly Crime, covers two major topics connected by the recent Lindsay Clancy trial. The Frankfort Case (07:34 - 19:47) Elizabeth discusses a tragic event in Frankfort, Illinois, involving Corey Walsh, who allegedly killed her two-year-old son, Barrett, after being fixated on the Lindsay Clancy trial. The Incident: A neighbor discovered the child deceased in the basement (08:06). Corey Walsh was found nearby with self-inflicted injuries (08:48).Prosecution's View: Investigators believe Walsh was texting friends about the Clancy trial hours before the event, suggesting a potential fixation or The Clancy Trial & Juror Insights (19:51 - 40:27)Elizabeth shares footage of an interview with an actual juror from the Lindsay Clancy case to clarify the deliberation process. Juror's Perspective: 11 jurors voted for "not guilty by reason of mental illness," believing the medical community failed the defendant (21:38 - 22:50).The Mystery Vote: The jurors expressed confusion as to why one individual refused to agree with the majority, resulting in a deadlocked trial (21:05 - 21:28).The Profile of Kevin Reddington (40:38 - 48:00) Elizabeth profiles Lindsay Clancy's attorney, Kevin Reddington ("Big Red").He has over 50 years of experience in criminal defense (42:50).The video clarifies a 2017 scheduling dispute involving a federal fraud case, which the First Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately affirmed as handled correctly, debunking claims of malpractice (45:00 - 46:15).The video concludes with a prayer and a brief personal reflection from the host regarding her own history with bipolar disorder and mental health medication (53:00 - 56:40).

    Clancy CopyCat

  8. 5d ago

    Please Stand Mr Flynn

    Guilty.

    Please Stand Mr Flynn
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hillbilly Crime is an independent Appalachian investigative podcast hosted by Elizabeth Jones. From the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, we dive deep into crime, corruption, power, and the real stories affecting rural communities that rarely make national headlines. As a single mom in recovery building an investigative media network from my living room, this podcast follows the truth wherever it leads — from courtroom documents and public records to the lived experiences of people in Appalachia. If you believe small towns deserve real journalism, you’re in the right place.

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