BARDSTOWN, Ky. — One of the men charged in connection to the death of Crystal Rogers is looking to have his $500,000 bond reduced, according to new court documents.
On Thursday, attorneys for Joseph Lawson, 32, requested the "excessive and oppressive" bond be reduced to $50,000. They argued Lawson is unable to afford his bail due to his socio-economic status.
Lawson is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.
His attorneys said if his bond were reduced and posted, Lawson would comply with any additional conditions set forth by the court, including GPS monitoring via home incarceration. They said he would also re-establish his health insurance, social security disability and seek on going medical treatment.
Lawson's attorneys argued that he is not a danger to the community or himself because he is paraplegic and unable to voluntarily move the lower portion of his body. His movements are also limited to a wheelchair, which they said, makes him less of a flight risk.
This is the first time we're learning about Lawson's physical condition. He appeared from a hospital bed for his first court appearance days after his arrest.
During an arraignment hearing for Brooks Houck, Rogers' former boyfriend and Lawson's co-defendant, Special Prosecutor Shane Young said authorities found Lawson "naked" with no possessions when he was arrested in September.
Lawson's father, Steve Lawson, was also arrested in connection to the unsolved murder of the Bardstown mother earlier this month.
Rogers went missing over the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. She has been presumed dead for years.
Joseph Lawson remains in custody at the Grayson County Detention Center while his father, Steven, is still being held in the Harrison County Jail in Indiana. Houck was moved to the Oldham County Detention Center on Dec. 13.
Joseph Lawson's next court date is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2024.
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