Fri May 30 20:40:00 UTC 2025: **Bardstown, KY – Steven Lawson Found Guilty in Crystal Rogers Conspiracy Case, Sentenced to 17 Years**
After days of testimony and deliberation, a Nelson County jury has found Steven Lawson guilty of both conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in connection to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. The verdict was reached Friday, with all jurors in agreement. The jury recommended a total sentence of 17 years. Seventeen years for conspiracy to commit murder and five years for tampering with evidence, to be served concurrently.
Lawson, who took the stand in his own defense, admitted to moving Rogers’ car but denied any involvement in her disappearance or a plot to murder her. He claimed Brooks Houck, another individual charged in the case, had asked him to move the vehicle and that he had suggested another individual when Houck said he wanted Rogers “gone”.
The prosecution, however, argued that Lawson was a key player in a conspiracy to harm Rogers, emphasizing inconsistencies in his statements to the FBI. They pointed to potential financial incentives and the circumstances surrounding the moving of Rogers’ car as evidence of Lawson’s involvement in a murder plot.
During the trial, the prosecution presented phone calls made by Lawson while in jail and highlighted his admitted lies to law enforcement. The defense conceded Lawson’s guilt regarding tampering with evidence but maintained that the Commonwealth failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he participated in a plot to murder Rogers. They argued the investigation is ongoing and it has not been determined whether a murder even took place.
Family members, including Rogers’ daughter Tory, testified during the sentencing phase. Tory Rogers spoke of the devastating impact her mother’s disappearance has had on her life, and how her mother has missed key milestones. Lawson’s mother, Barbara Colter, also testified, apologizing to Rogers’ mother Sherry Ballard and asking the jury for mercy for her son.
The jury ultimately recommended Lawson serve the maximum sentence for conspiracy to commit murder, 17 years, and a concurrent five-year sentence for tampering with evidence. The final sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 6th in Nelson County Court.
First Piper 