Crystal Rogers investigation suspect Joseph Lawson has been granted a bond reduction, but not to the extent requested by his attorney.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III entered an order Monday reducing Lawson’s bond from $500,000 to $250,000. Lawson’s attorney had requested a bond reduction to $50,000 and for Lawson to be released on home incarceration to attend an inpatient treatment facility.
Simms said the court considered the gravity of the charges Lawson faces, which carry a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Simms’s order states that pretrial assessment described Lawson as a moderate flight risk and a moderate risk to reoffend. Simms also considered Lawson’s criminal history, which includes at least two felony convictions, and noted that Lawson is currently incarcerated at the Kentucky State Reformatory while serving a one-year sentence for a first degree Criminal Mischief charge.
Simms previously granted a $250,000 bond reduction for Lawson’s father Stephen Lawson, who faces the same charges as Joseph Lawson. Simms previously denied a bond reduction for Brooks Houck, who faces charges of Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence in the case.
Houck, Joseph Lawson, and Stephen Lawson are all due back in Nelson Circuit Court for a status conference on March 21.
