Scheduling change in Houck and Lawson hearings approved

A schedule change has been approved for the upcoming hearings involving the Crystal Rogers investigation suspects.

Brooks Houck, Steven Lawson, and Joseph Lawson were all due back in court Thursday, but now only Steven Lawson will be making an appearance.

According to an order filed with the Nelson Circuit Court Monday, Special Prosecutor Shane Young and defense attorneys representing Brooks Houck are in agreement that the motion to dismiss filed by Steven Lawson’s defense should be argued in court prior to arguments on the special prosecutor’s motion to consolidate the three cases to one trial. The parties further agreed that Houck’s objection to the motion to consolidate should be heard in an individual hearing “based upon the nature of the issues raised.”

The hearing scheduled for Thursday will now only consist of arguments concerning Steven Lawson’s motion to dismiss. The defense for Lawson has maintained that Lawson was promised immunity in exchange for his cooperation with the investigation.

Houck’s objection will now be argued in a hearing scheduled for July 8. Houck’s defense says trying Houck with the Lawsons would take away his ability to cross-examine the Lawsons, and a joint trial would infringe upon Houck’s constitutional rights.

The order excuses Joseph Lawson and Houck from Thursday’s hearing.