An emotionally exhausted Sherry Ballard admits another search in the yearslong investigation into the disappearance of her daughter Crystal Rogers is taking its toll.When the FBI took over the investigation into Rogers’ disappearance in August 2020, several high-profile search warrants were executed, eventually leading agents to the Woodlawn Springs subdivision in Bardstown, Kentucky, about an hour outside of Louisville.On Tuesday, excavation efforts were seen at a home built by Rogers’ boyfriend, Brooks Houck — the only suspect ever named in her disappearance.And the next day, agents returned, bringing with them a mobile command unit, and seemingly more equipment, zeroing in on a spot near the property’s driveway.Rogers went missing in 2015. Her car was found abandoned with a flat tire on Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown with her phone, purse and keys still inside.She had five children, one with Houck. While he is the only person since she disappeared to be named as a suspect, he has never been charged.His home was searched last year when the FBI started investigating. They also investigated his brother Nick Houck’s home.Nick Houck is a former Bardstown police officer. He was fired from the department in 2015 for interfering with the investigation.Officials said Nick Houck called his brother while he was being interviewed by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department. The mayor said Nick Houck knew his brother was being interviewed, and the call was enough to be considered interference.Feds also checked out the Houck family’s farm in 2020. It’s the last place investigators believe Rogers was seen alive.Early on, a friend and employee of Brooks Houck, Danny Singleton, faced 38 counts of perjury for lying to detectives during the investigation but pleaded guilty to lesser charges of false swearing.At one point, investigators also zeroed in on Houck’s grandmother, Anna Whitesides. The state believed her car may have been used to dispose of Rogers’ body. Whitesides, who had previously talked to investigators, later invoked her Fifth Amendment right, refusing to testify when called to court.A new detective took over the case a couple of years ago when Det. Jon Snow left the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department. Chief Deputy Joedy Gilliland then became the lead until the feds stepped in. A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, sat outside Wednesday, watching the digging. He said he couldn’t help but notice how diligent the teams of federal agents were on day two. “Their shirts are soaking wet. I told my wife, ‘I don’t know how they stand it. They are working hard,'” he said. Sherry Ballard said she has full confidence in the FBI and hopes they can provide some answers about her daughter’s disappearance. She said this same property is one she and her late husband, Tommy, who was killed a year after Rogers disappeared, searched during their own investigation. On Nov. 19, 2016, Tommy Ballard was shot and killed on family property near Bluegrass Parkway. His killing also remains unsolved.Sherry Ballard believes agents may be able to find something they didn’t. Based on her conversations with agents, she said she feels encouraged. But after six years, she said she is careful not to get her hopes up.”I just feel like if this isn’t it, I’m going through everything again. I’m just hoping this is it,” Ballard said.
An emotionally exhausted Sherry Ballard admits another search in the yearslong investigation into the disappearance of her daughter Crystal Rogers is taking its toll.
When the FBI took over the investigation into Rogers’ disappearance in August 2020, several high-profile search warrants were executed, eventually leading agents to the Woodlawn Springs subdivision in Bardstown, Kentucky, about an hour outside of Louisville.
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On Tuesday, excavation efforts were seen at a home built by Rogers’ boyfriend, Brooks Houck — the only suspect ever named in her disappearance.
And the next day, agents returned, bringing with them a mobile command unit, and seemingly more equipment, zeroing in on a spot near the property’s driveway.
Rogers went missing in 2015. Her car was found abandoned with a flat tire on Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown with her phone, purse and keys still inside.
She had five children, one with Houck. While he is the only person since she disappeared to be named as a suspect, he has never been charged.
His home was searched last year when the FBI started investigating. They also investigated his brother Nick Houck’s home.
Nick Houck is a former Bardstown police officer. He was fired from the department in 2015 for interfering with the investigation.
Officials said Nick Houck called his brother while he was being interviewed by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department. The mayor said Nick Houck knew his brother was being interviewed, and the call was enough to be considered interference.
Feds also checked out the Houck family’s farm in 2020. It’s the last place investigators believe Rogers was seen alive.
Early on, a friend and employee of Brooks Houck, Danny Singleton, faced 38 counts of perjury for lying to detectives during the investigation but pleaded guilty to lesser charges of false swearing.
At one point, investigators also zeroed in on Houck’s grandmother, Anna Whitesides. The state believed her car may have been used to dispose of Rogers’ body. Whitesides, who had previously talked to investigators, later invoked her Fifth Amendment right, refusing to testify when called to court.
A new detective took over the case a couple of years ago when Det. Jon Snow left the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department. Chief Deputy Joedy Gilliland then became the lead until the feds stepped in.
A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, sat outside Wednesday, watching the digging. He said he couldn’t help but notice how diligent the teams of federal agents were on day two.
“Their shirts are soaking wet. I told my wife, ‘I don’t know how they stand it. They are working hard,'” he said.
Sherry Ballard said she has full confidence in the FBI and hopes they can provide some answers about her daughter’s disappearance. She said this same property is one she and her late husband, Tommy, who was killed a year after Rogers disappeared, searched during their own investigation.
On Nov. 19, 2016, Tommy Ballard was shot and killed on family property near Bluegrass Parkway. His killing also remains unsolved.
Sherry Ballard believes agents may be able to find something they didn’t. Based on her conversations with agents, she said she feels encouraged.
But after six years, she said she is careful not to get her hopes up.
“I just feel like if this isn’t it, I’m going through everything again. I’m just hoping this is it,” Ballard said.
