Court hears arguments for motion to dismiss filed by Steven Lawson

Crystal Rogers investigation suspect Steven Lawson was back in court Thursday as the court heard arguments on a motion to dismiss the charges against him. 

Steven Lawson faces charges of Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence in connection with his involvement in the 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers, but Lawson’s defense attorney Ted Lavit has argued those charges should be dismissed based on promises of immunity made in exchange for Lawson’s cooperation with the investigation.

Lavit and Special Prosecutor Shane Young made their arguments to Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III in a hearing Thursday.

Young said the immunity deal was contingent on Lawson being completely honest with investigators, but Young said inconsistencies in Lawson’s statements to law enforcement show that has not been the case. Young said Lawson has made conflicting statements on his relationship with Brooks Houck, his knowledge of Joseph Lawson’s use of his skid steer, and the involvement of Steven Lawson’s now-deceased ex-wife.

Lavit said that Lawson did everything that investigators had asked him to do, and many of the inconsistencies stem from pressure law enforcement was putting on Lawson. Lavit said Lawson’s testimony was obviously useful to the commonwealth because it was used to get grand jury indictments against Houck and Joseph Lawson.

Judge Simms said he would review the arguments and make a ruling soon. The next scheduled hearing in the case is set for July 8, when attorneys for Houck will argue against trying all three suspects in the same trial.