Boyfriend’s family land searched as FBI takes lead in disappearance of Crystal Rogers
The FBI targeted Crystal Rogers’ boyfriend as the agency took charge of the investigation into her disappearance and executed search warrants at properties owned by him and his family members.
Rogers went missing in Nelson County in July 2015, and her case has since garnered national attention, with the Oxygen Network running a series on the investigation. The FBI was called into Nelson County on July 24 to help the sheriff’s office retrieve possible human remains.
FBI spokesman Timothy Beam said Thursday there was no update on whether or not those remains belonged to Rogers, but the FBI is now offering a $25,000 reward “for information leading to the current whereabouts of Crystal.” Rogers’ family also said in a Facebook post Thursday that the remains hadn’t been identified yet.
“I ask that members of the community think back to July 3rd and 4th of 2015,” Robert Brown, special agent in charge, said in a statement. “For those individuals who have information about this incident but who have not yet spoken to law enforcement for whatever reason, please contact us.”
More than 150 state and federal law enforcement officers began executing nine federal search warrants Thursday morning, FBI officials said. Those officers will also be conducting more than 50 interviews as part of the investigation, FBI officials said.
Those search warrants include three properties belonging to the Houck family. Brooks Houck was Rogers’ boyfriend at the time of her disappearance. He was named a suspect in the case by the Nelson County sheriff’s office, which was previously the lead agency, Beam said.
Officers were authorized to search Brooks’ home at 113 Glenview Drive, Nick’s home at 730 Pulliam Ave., and a farm owned by the Houck family at 345 Paschal Ballard Lane, Beam said.
No arrests were made when the FBI executed search warrants Thursday, Beam said. He said he couldn’t comment on what was taken from the properties, but according to multiple reports from the scene, agents seized firearms from each of the homes, as well as boxes and filing cabinets,
A partially built home owned by Brooks Houck on Wheeling Avenue was destroyed in a 2019 fire, according to the Bardstown Fire Department. Authorities had previously searched a large farm belonging to Houck’s mother in August 2015.
Nick Houck was fired from the Bardstown Police Department after allegedly interfering with the investigation into Rogers’ disappearance.
The FBI has set up a website, crystalrogerstaskforce.com, to share information about the case.
Rogers’ disappearance was reported on July 5, 2015, and her car was found with a flat tire on Bluegrass Parkway the same day, according to the FBI. Rogers’ keys, phone and purse were still inside her red Chevrolet Impala, FBI officials said.
More than a year later, Rogers’ father, Tommy Ballard, died of a gunshot wound to the chest while hunting with his grandson, police said. He had been looking into his daughter’s disappearance. Ballard’s wife and Rogers’ mother, Sherry Ballard, told media that her husband’s death was intentional and he had been followed prior to his death.
The Nelson County sheriff’s office was previously the lead agency on the Rogers case, Beam said. Other local and national agencies will be involved in the investigation, including Kentucky State Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS, FBI officials said in a statement.
Team Crystal, a Facebook page run by Rogers’ family, acknowledged the development Thursday morning.
“Pray for Justice and to bring Crystal home,” the post read. “When we know more we will let you know. Thank you for all your continued prayers and support.”
Commenters shared prayers for the family and said they hope the new development helps to resolve the case.
“Praying for all of Crystal’s family, I have followed this story since it happened and praying for justice to be served,” Facebook user Ruby Hughes said.
The family later urged people with details about the case to come forward.
“I promise you they will listen,” the post said. “Do the right thing!”
Some people in Bardstown shared photos as they watched law enforcement officers search properties.
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 7:30 AM.
CORRECTION: Timothy Beam’s name was spelled incorrectly in a previous version of this story.