Crystal Rogers case: Suspect Steve Lawson fires lawyer during hearing
During a hearing in the Crystal Rogers case on Thursday, one of the suspects fired his lawyer.
Just moments ahead of Thursday's court hearing, Steve Lawson, one of three men charged in connection to the 2015 murder of the Bardstown mother, turned away his lawyer, abruptly ending the conversation.
Lawson was arrested last year, charged along with his son, Joseph and Rogers' boyfriend, Brooks Houck.
Once court was in session, Lawson told Judge Charles Simms his attorney, Ted Lavit was not doing his job.
"I can't use his council anymore, sir," Lawson said.
"Are you saying you want a different attorney?" Simms responsed, to which Lawson said, "Yes, sir. That's exactly what I'm saying."
Days ago, in a call recorded from jail, Lawson told family he was firing Ted Lavit for meeting with Brooks Houck's attorney "behind his back."
Prosecutor Teresa Young told the judge she could not be certain Lawson received "conflict-free council."
"I don't know what's going on here, but I know that it's something the court needs to inquire about, and it gets disturbing," Young said.
While Lawson shook his head, Lavit denied any wrongdoing: "I have done my best, at this point in time, without any conflict whatsoever, serving my client. And Mr. Lawson has been aware of what I've been doing on his behalf 맥스카지노 that's all I have to say, Judge."
Simms told Lawson a public defender would be appointed and said he would see him and his new attorney on Aug. 22, in an effort to keep a February trial on track.
When asked to comment on Thursday's hearing, the lead attorney for Brooks Houck told 비바카지노 Viva their team is continuing not to comment.