GUILTY KY - Crystal Rogers, 35, Bluegrass Parkway, 3 July 2015 #4 *arrest in 2023* Brooks Houck on Trial

[Gigiky]

What worries me is that only statements made to the FBI on two dates in the CR case by JL will be allowed at trail. And I hope that they are impactful enough to get convictions of himself as well as BH. And as always JMO

 

[Niner]

Thursday, Dec. 5th:
*Trial Setting Hearing (for Houck & JL) (@ 1:30pm ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 42) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 33) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Nelson County
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) with conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 2/11/25 for Steven Lawson Only. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 (Houck & J. Lawson) & from 12/7/23 (S Lawson) thru 10/7/24 reference post #622 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-32
10/24/24 Update: Joseph Lawson filed a supplemental motion in court last week to have his trial separated from his two co-defendants, Brooks Houck & Steve Lawson, Joseph Lawson’s father. The motion argues that Joseph Lawson’s trial should be severed from his co-defendant father, Steve Lawson, so that it preserves Joseph Lawson’s right to an adequate defense. Next hearing scheduled for both Lawsons on 10/25/24.
10/25/24 Update: Prosecutors filed an agreed order with the court noting that they plan to only use Joseph Lawson’s statements to investigators on Oct. 16 & Oct. 23, 2024 in their case against him. In a statement in support of separating Joseph Lawson’s trial from that of his co-defendants, his attorney again noted that the pretrial publicity involving co-defendant Brooks Houck is likely to have “an unavoidable bleedover effect” on Joseph Lawson. Judge Simms asked his attorney to add the legal citations to his motion, so he can review the information later. Prosecutor Shane Young told the judge that additional information about the investigation was turned over by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Prosecutors had been advised all the evidence had been turned over, but additional files were discovered 7 have been turned over to prosecutors. Prosecutors told Judge Simms that investigator’s searches conducted since the defendants were indicted have not produced new evidence in the case. Steven Lawson’s defense team confirmed that Lawson’s former attorney, Ted Lavitt of Lebanon, had complied with the judge’s order for him to turn over all of the files Lawson’s new attorneys. The judge did not set the date for the next status hearing.
10/30/24 Update: New filing on whether Joseph Lawson should be tried at the same trial as co-defendants Houck & Steven Lawson.
11/4/24 Update: In a 27 page court filing on Monday, Prosecutor Shane Young & Joseph Lawson's attorney agreed on one thing. Statements Joseph made to the FBI only on two dates, Oct. 16 & Oct. 20, 2020, will be used in the trial.
11/5/24 Update: In a ruling issued Tuesday, November 5, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III ordered a separate trial for Steven Eugene Lawson. The trial is scheduled to begin on 2/10/25. Judge Simms also granted a motion from the Commonwealth that the trials for Houck & Joseph L. Lawson be consolidated. Attorneys for Houck & Joseph Lawson have been ordered to appear in court on Thursday, 12/5/24 @ 1:30pm to set a new trial date for their clients.
11/13/24 Update: Steven Lawson’s trial date has been moved 2/11/25 due to heavy load in the courts. The jury trials for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are set to start on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Thursday, Dec. 5th:
*Trial Setting Hearing (for Houck & JL) (@ 1:30pm ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 42) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 33) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Nelson County
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) with conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 2/11/25 for Steven Lawson Only. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 (Houck & J. Lawson) & from 12/7/23 (S Lawson) thru 10/7/24 reference post #622 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-32
10/24/24 Update: Joseph Lawson filed a supplemental motion in court last week to have his trial separated from his two co-defendants, Brooks Houck & Steve Lawson, Joseph Lawson’s father. The motion argues that Joseph Lawson’s trial should be severed from his co-defendant father, Steve Lawson, so that it preserves Joseph Lawson’s right to an adequate defense. Next hearing scheduled for both Lawsons on 10/25/24.
10/25/24 Update: Prosecutors filed an agreed order with the court noting that they plan to only use Joseph Lawson’s statements to investigators on Oct. 16 & Oct. 23, 2024 in their case against him. In a statement in support of separating Joseph Lawson’s trial from that of his co-defendants, his attorney again noted that the pretrial publicity involving co-defendant Brooks Houck is likely to have “an unavoidable bleedover effect” on Joseph Lawson. Judge Simms asked his attorney to add the legal citations to his motion, so he can review the information later. Prosecutor Shane Young told the judge that additional information about the investigation was turned over by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Prosecutors had been advised all the evidence had been turned over, but additional files were discovered 7 have been turned over to prosecutors. Prosecutors told Judge Simms that investigator’s searches conducted since the defendants were indicted have not produced new evidence in the case. Steven Lawson’s defense team confirmed that Lawson’s former attorney, Ted Lavitt of Lebanon, had complied with the judge’s order for him to turn over all of the files Lawson’s new attorneys. The judge did not set the date for the next status hearing.
10/30/24 Update: New filing on whether Joseph Lawson should be tried at the same trial as co-defendants Houck & Steven Lawson.
11/4/24 Update: In a 27 page court filing on Monday, Prosecutor Shane Young & Joseph Lawson's attorney agreed on one thing. Statements Joseph made to the FBI only on two dates, Oct. 16 & Oct. 20, 2020, will be used in the trial.
11/5/24 Update: In a ruling issued Tuesday, November 5, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III ordered a separate trial for Steven Eugene Lawson. The trial is scheduled to begin on 2/10/25. Judge Simms also granted a motion from the Commonwealth that the trials for Houck & Joseph L. Lawson be consolidated. Attorneys for Houck & Joseph Lawson have been ordered to appear in court on Thursday, 12/5/24 @ 1:30pm to set a new trial date for their clients.
11/13/24 Update: Steven Lawson’s trial date has been moved 2/11/25 due to heavy load in the courts. The jury trials for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are set to start on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Let's hope they finally decide a trial date. What a nightmare of a case, I feel so bad for Crystal's Mother, children and other loved ones.

 

[Niner]

Let's hope they finally decide a trial date. What a nightmare of a case, I feel so bad for Crystal's Mother, children and other loved ones.

The trial dates are set - see last paragraph in my post....
11/13/24 Update: Steven Lawson’s trial date has been moved 2/11/25 due to heavy load in the courts. The jury trials for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are set to start on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

 

[girlhasnoname]

The trial dates are set - see last paragraph in my post....
11/13/24 Update: Steven Lawson’s trial date has been moved 2/11/25 due to heavy load in the courts. The jury trials for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are set to start on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Thanks for that correction Niner, sometimes my eyes seem to miss things when scanning an update.

 

[Niner]

@arielilane - I have you down as my "go to" person for the next hearing dates? Any updates yet? I have nothing beyond the trial dates for all of them. TIA!

 

[Niner]

Bumping up! @arielilane - any hearing updates for any of them? TIA!

 

[Fight4justice]

What perplexes me is the fact that the Lawson’s have given all this info yet still no body. I think the Lawson’s were only in trusted in getting rid of the car. I believe the Houck brothers disposed of the body themselves. I think they thought no one would believe anything the Lawson’s said. They truly thought they were above the law.

 

[Niner]

Yoo Hoo @arielilane - any more court dates for anyone here? TIA!

 

[arielilane]

Apologize for my tardiness @Niner, no further updates than what you've already posted.

-- Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III set a date for the joint trial of Crystal Rogers co-defendants Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson.

-- Trial to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Warren Circuit Court in Bowling Green.

-- Trial for Steven Lawson, [Joseph Lawson’s father], set Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, [also, Warren Circuit Court/Bowling Green]



-- Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review and setting a court date for Houck and Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled.

Trial dates set for February, June 2025 for the three Crystal Rogers co-defendants

By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Trial dates have been set for the three men accused in the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers. The trials will take place in Bowling Green. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 -- Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III has set a...

nelsoncountygazette.com

 

[Tricia]

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[Niner]

Apologize for my tardiness @Niner, no further updates than what you've already posted.

-- Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III set a date for the joint trial of Crystal Rogers co-defendants Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson.

-- Trial to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Warren Circuit Court in Bowling Green.

-- Trial for Steven Lawson, [Joseph Lawson’s father], set Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, [also, Warren Circuit Court/Bowling Green]



-- Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review and setting a court date for Houck and Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled.

Trial dates set for February, June 2025 for the three Crystal Rogers co-defendants

By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Trial dates have been set for the three men accused in the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers. The trials will take place in Bowling Green. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 -- Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III has set a...

nelsoncountygazette.com

No apology necessary! It is a busy time of year now! And thanks!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Lawson is being tried separately from the other two men, his son Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck. Steve Lawson's trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.

The motion filed on Jan. 3 is asking for his trial to be postponed to allow more time for the defense to go through all of the discovery in the case.

Man charged in Crystal Rogers case asks for trial to be delayed

One of three men charged in Crystal Rogers' murder is asking for his trial to be delayed.

www.wlky.com

 

[Niner]

Lawson is being tried separately from the other two men, his son Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck. Steve Lawson's trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.

The motion filed on Jan. 3 is asking for his trial to be postponed to allow more time for the defense to go through all of the discovery in the case.

Man charged in Crystal Rogers case asks for trial to be delayed

One of three men charged in Crystal Rogers' murder is asking for his trial to be delayed.

www.wlky.com

Unfortunately I have no access to this article - stupid EU rules...

Any more info on any court hearing dates? or maybe @arielilane - can see if there is anything new in the court site? TIA!

and a
to all!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

In a motion filed in the Nelson Circuit Court Friday, Steve Lawson and his attorneys asked for his trial — currently set to begin on Feb. 11 — to be pushed back to an unspecified date to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence.

An affidavit filed with the motion, sworn by Lawson, echoes the concerns his attorneys outlined, adding that he needs more time to "fully comprehend the discovery in my case."

The motion will be heard in court Thursday, according to court records.

Steve Lawson, charged in connection with Crystal Rogers case, asks court to postpone trial

Steve Lawson, who is charged in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, asked the court to postpone his upcoming trial.

www.courier-journal.com

 

[girlhasnoname]

In a motion filed in the Nelson Circuit Court Friday, Steve Lawson and his attorneys asked for his trial — currently set to begin on Feb. 11 — to be pushed back to an unspecified date to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence.

An affidavit filed with the motion, sworn by Lawson, echoes the concerns his attorneys outlined, adding that he needs more time to "fully comprehend the discovery in my case."

The motion will be heard in court Thursday, according to court records.

Steve Lawson, charged in connection with Crystal Rogers case, asks court to postpone trial

Steve Lawson, who is charged in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, asked the court to postpone his upcoming trial.

www.courier-journal.com

Wow, SL seems to be on a roll lately. He got separated from the other 2 defendants, a COV, fired his former Defense Team, and his new PD got his LE interviews thrown out. I'm sure he'll probably get the delay, although he already knows the 'discovery' in his case. Gimmie a break...this murder happened in July 2015.

This makes me angry, Crystal and her Father didn't get the benefit of the legal system, they were murdered and plotted against by this group of 3, and there's at least one more who should be charged and awaiting trial too IMO.

JMO

 

[Niner]

In a motion filed in the Nelson Circuit Court Friday, Steve Lawson and his attorneys asked for his trial — currently set to begin on Feb. 11 — to be pushed back to an unspecified date to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence.

An affidavit filed with the motion, sworn by Lawson, echoes the concerns his attorneys outlined, adding that he needs more time to "fully comprehend the discovery in my case."

The motion will be heard in court Thursday, according to court records.

Steve Lawson, charged in connection with Crystal Rogers case, asks court to postpone trial

Steve Lawson, who is charged in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, asked the court to postpone his upcoming trial.

www.courier-journal.com

Thank you!

 

[Niner]

I shall split these guys up since they have different hearing & trial dates.

Thursday, January 9th:
*Motions Hearing (S. Lawson only) (@ 1:30pm ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 33) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Nelson County
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) with conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 2/11/25 for Steven Lawson Only. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 (Houck & J. Lawson) & from 12/7/23 (S Lawson) thru 11/5/24 reference post #662 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-33
11/13/24 Update: Steven Lawson’s trial date has been moved 2/11/25 due to heavy load in the courts. The jury trials for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson are set to start on Tuesday, 6/24/25. Judge Simms also granted a motion from the Commonwealth that the trials for Houck & Joseph L. Lawson be consolidated. Attorneys for Houck & Joseph Lawson have been ordered to appear in court on Thursday, 12/5/24 @ 1:30pm to set a new trial date for their clients.
11/15/24 Update: Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review & setting a court date for Houck & Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled.
1/3/25 Update: Steve Lawson: In a motion filed in the Nelson Circuit Court Friday, Steve Lawson & his attorneys asked for his trial — currently set to begin on Feb. 11 — to be pushed back to an unspecified date to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence. An affidavit filed with the motion, sworn by Lawson, echoes the concerns his attorneys outlined, adding that he needs more time to "fully comprehend the discovery in my case." The motion will be heard in court Thursday, 1/9/25 according to court records.

 

[Niner]

Judge postpones Warren County trial of man linked to Crystal Rogers disappearance

Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms granted a continuance Thursday morning during a motion hour after the defense filed the request last Friday.

www.wbko.com

Jan. 9, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – A Kentucky judge has postponed the trial of a defendant charged in connection with the disappearance of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers.

Steven E. Lawson, 54, was indicted in 2023 on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. His trial, originally scheduled to begin Feb. 11 in Warren County, has been rescheduled for May 27 at 9 a.m.

Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms granted a continuance Thursday morning during a motion hour after the defense filed the request last Friday.

The motion cited a change in Lawson’s legal representation as a primary reason for the delay. Attorneys Darren Wolff and Zach Buckler joined the case in August 2024, following the withdrawal of Lawson’s previous attorney. The defense sought additional time to prepare.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Judge postpones Warren County trial of man linked to Crystal Rogers disappearance

Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms granted a continuance Thursday morning during a motion hour after the defense filed the request last Friday.

www.wbko.com

Jan. 9, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – A Kentucky judge has postponed the trial of a defendant charged in connection with the disappearance of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers.

Steven E. Lawson, 54, was indicted in 2023 on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. His trial, originally scheduled to begin Feb. 11 in Warren County, has been rescheduled for May 27 at 9 a.m.

Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms granted a continuance Thursday morning during a motion hour after the defense filed the request last Friday.

The motion cited a change in Lawson’s legal representation as a primary reason for the delay. Attorneys Darren Wolff and Zach Buckler joined the case in August 2024, following the withdrawal of Lawson’s previous attorney. The defense sought additional time to prepare.

Of course he got a continuance. SL was working with LE giving information on BH and his son in exchange for some leniency or immunity early on right?

SL was then hit with those conspiracy charges too. Am I remembering correctly? This case has drug on far too long. Justice delayed is Justice denied and I'd say almost 10 years is more than Justice delayed.

Here's hoping that all 3 (should be 4 IMO) go to trial, are found guilty and begin serving their sentences. Crystal and her Dad, her children and all the loved ones left behind deserve their day in Court.

JMO