Stephen Lawson gave information to police in exchange for immunity, attorney says

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) — Stephen Lawson, the third man arrested and charged in connection to the death of Crystal Rogers, had been providing police with “critical information” in exchange for immunity.

“I did not hurt Crystal and was not involved in hurting Crystal. I didn’t plan to hurt Crystal. I didn’t conspire to hurt Crystal. Those are his statements,” Stephen’s attorney Theodore Lavit said.

Lavit said his client met Rogers one time before her disappearance in 2015 and described it as “pleasantries exchanged and nothing more,” according to ABC affiliate WHAS.

Stephen was employed by Brooks Houck, the man now charged with Rogers’ murder.

“He had an association with Houck. Mr. Houck had conversations with him about Crystal. And that’s the extent of my client’s involvement. But he did not hurt Crystal. He did not prepare to hurt Crystal. He would never do anything of that nature to another human,” Lavit told WHAS.

One of those conversations was recorded in the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office interrogation room. Detective John Snow was interviewing Brooks Houck days after Rogers was reported missing. Snow asked about a phone call to Stephen Lawson, made on the night Rogers disappeared.

Houck then called Lawson and put him on speakerphone. After answering, Lawson immediately said, “I just want to tell you I’m sorry for everything you’re going through. I’ve got you in my prayers.”

Houck responds with, “I certainly. This is a very difficult and trying time, but I appreciate you saying that.”

Detective Snow would later call the conversation unusual.

Lawson’s attorney said, “It was a set-up phone call. One was supposed to call the other. The ring came in and they spoke.”

Lavit said he hadn’t seen the transcript of that phone call yet. But he is aware of other information shared between Lawson and the police. He said his client has met with the FBI, Kentucky State Police and special prosecutor Shane Young “more than a dozen times” over the last year.

Lavit added the information was supposed to be shared under a shield of immunity, but that ended last week when Stephen was indicted.

“They chose to indict him, rather than give him the immunity he was promised,” Lavit said.

Lavit asserts that Stephen Lawson’s information dates back to the weekend Rogers disappeared.

Stephen is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 21.