In Prestonsburg, Kentucky, a judge has issued specific restrictions on Michael McKinney, a local dentist implicated in a high-profile criminal case, limiting his visits to a restaurant he co-owns. McKinney faces eight counts of evidence tampering in connection with the June 18, 2023, death of Amber Spradlin, which occurred at his residence. His son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with Spradlin’s murder.
Presently out on bond, McKinney is under house arrest with allowances for work-related outings, including times at his dental practice and necessary business errands. Among his business interests is the Brickhouse Restaurant, situated just a block away from his dental office.
Concerns over McKinney’s activities at the Brickhouse were raised following observations that suggested he might be spending substantial periods there. Brent Turner, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, fueled by these concerns, secured GPS data from McKinney’s ankle monitor. The records indicated that although McKinney had visited the restaurant about a dozen times in six weeks, most were brief except for three instances where he remained between one to two hours.
Addressing the ambiguity in McKinney’s conditions for visitation, both the defense and the prosecution sought clarity from the court on the permissible scope of his visits to the restaurant.
In response, Special Judge Eddy Coleman made a definitive ruling on Monday. Coleman specified that McKinney could not frequent the Brickhouse for dining or meal pickups but could engage in short, strictly business-related visits not exceeding 30 minutes.
This decision highlights the complexities of pre-trial restrictions in cases involving business owners, balancing the need to prevent potential witness tampering with the realities of running a business. The careful restriction of McKinney’s movements illustrates the judiciary’s efforts to navigate these legal and ethical nuances.
As McKinney awaits further legal proceedings, this case brings to light the broader implications of legal constraints imposed on business engagements in ongoing criminal investigations, reflecting the challenges of ensuring justice while accommodating legitimate business activities.
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