Hillbilly Crime Investigates

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.

Hillbilly Crime Investigates is a true crime podcast hosted by Elizabeth Jones, with 149 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Elizabeth Jones hosts Hillbilly Crime Investigates, a true crime show with 149 episodes published.

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  Episode #211

  Mickey Stines Files Emergency Motion

  Oct 4, 20261h 32mS2

  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).

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  Episode #150

  Mickey Stines; What is Holding Up the Trial?

  Oct 1, 20261h 36mS2

  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).

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  Episode #149

  The Money Was the Leash

  Oct 1, 20261h 25mS2

  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).

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  Episode #209

  Who Investigated the Men Around Them?

  Sep 30, 20261h 20mS2

  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).

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  Episode #209

  Stop Making Women Do Your Investigation

  Sep 30, 20261h 50mS2

  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).

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