Owen County, Kentucky – On Friday morning, former Nelson County deputy Nick Houck was back in a courtroom to address a perjury charge stemming from the 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers. The hearing, which began at 9 a.m., was brief after prosecutors filed a response to the defense’s motion.

Defense seeks additional evidence

Houck’s attorneys filed a motion this week requesting that the prosecution provide more detail about the specific statements they allege were false. The defense wants access to grand‑jury recordings from June 3, 2026, and a PowerPoint presentation that had already been turned over during discovery. Prosecutors complied with the request, submitting a written response on Friday.

Alleged false statements

According to the indictment, Houck gave conflicting testimony under oath during three separate grand‑jury sessions:

• July 15 and July 22, 2015 – days after Crystal Rogers vanished.
• August 16, 2023 – a few weeks before the first arrests in the case and just over a month after Houck’s brother, Brooks Houck, was taken into custody.

The prosecution argues that these discrepancies constitute perjury, a felony that carries significant penalties.

Trial venue change

Two weeks earlier, both the defense and the state agreed to move Houck’s trial from Nelson County to Owen County. The change was intended to address concerns about pre‑trial publicity and to provide a more neutral venue for the proceedings.

Family members in attendance

Houck’s mother, Rosemary, entered the courtroom with her daughter, though she faces no charges. She has been repeatedly mentioned as a co‑conspirator during the trial of Brooks Houck, Nick’s brother. Also present were Sherry Ballard, the mother of Crystal Rogers, and Tori Rogers, one of Crystal’s daughters, underscoring the personal stakes for the family.

Next steps

The court’s next scheduled hearing will address whether the defense’s request for additional materials will be granted. If approved, the defense will have a clearer picture of the alleged false statements and can prepare its case accordingly. The trial itself remains set for later this year, pending any further motions or rulings.

This case continues to draw attention in Kentucky, reflecting community concerns about law‑enforcement accountability and the pursuit of justice for a missing person’s family.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.