Dentist charged in Amber Spradlin murder case asks to return to work

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - One man indicted in connection to the murder of Amber Spradlin submitted a request to be allowed to return to work.

Michael McKinney, a business owner and dentist in Floyd County, was arrested last month, originally indicted on seven counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence in connection to the murder of Amber Spradlin in his Arkansas Creek home. That charge now includes eight counts of tampering.

McKinney was released on a $250,000 cash bond shortly after his arrest, but was placed on home incarceration as a stipulation of his bond. In Kentucky, home incarceration allows considerations for work schedules when approved.

Last week, McKinney’s attorney submitted a motion to approve his return to work, “to continue to operate Floyd County Smiles... while on Home Incarceration GPS.”

The request follows a set schedule: Monday - 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday- 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday- 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Thursday- 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Friday- 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

According to the motion, the hours reflect a 30-minute commute and include a request to leave the business each day from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., “as needed,” to “visit the bank regarding his business and personal accounts.”

Though he is currently suspended from practicing dentistry, the motion argues “his work and oversights are essential for the business to maintain operation,” saying he is still allowed to manage the practice.

The motion goes on to say, though he has been charged with the crime, he has not been convicted, “and the loss of his business should not be a part of pretrial release.”

The motion is expected to be heard during the next court meeting Monday.