The prosecution is responding to convicted Crystal Rogers investigation suspect Steven Lawson’s request for a new trial.
In a response filed Monday to the defendant’s motion for a new trial and judgement notwithstanding the verdict, Special Assistant to the Attorney General Teresa Young said Lawson’s defense “has shown no grounds which would entitle him to a new trial.”
Responding to the defense’s claims that they did not have adequate time to prepare for the trial, Young notes that the trial was moved from February to May to allow the new defense attorneys time to review the case, and that Lawson did not take advantage of arrangements made by Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III to allow Lawson to review materials at the courthouse.
Young also dismissed claims from the defense that Lawson was prejudiced by members of the Ballard family wearing pink in the courtroom gallery, or by prosecution witness Elizabeth Chesser speaking with Rogers’s mother Sherry Ballard during the trial, as the interaction was not about their testimony and was not in violation of separation of witness rules.
Lawson was found guilty on Class B Felony Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Class D Felony Tampering with Physical Evidence charges on May 30, at which time the jury recommended a prison sentence of 17 years. He is scheduled to appear in Nelson Circuit Court for a sentencing hearing Wednesday.
