#FBI executes search warrants in 2015 case of missing Kentucky mom

FBI investigators in Kentucky are executing search warrants in the case of a missing mother who disappeared five years ago — including at the home of the woman’s ex-boyfriend, authorities announced Thursday.

FBI officials in Louisville said they have taken over the case of Crystal Marie Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five from Bardstown who was reported missing by her mother on July 5, 2015, two days after she last seen.

Rogers’ red Chevrolet Impala was found abandoned the same day she was reported missing with a flat tire along the Bluegrass Parkway, with her keys, phone and purse still inside, FBI officials said Thursday.

State and local investigators began executing nine federal search warrants early Thursday as part of a “fresh perspective” to the case, including homes belonging to Rogers’ former boyfriend, Brooks Houck, who had been identified as a suspect years ago, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports.

The home of Nick Houck — Brooks’ brother who was fired by Bardstown police in 2015 for allegedly interfering with the investigation into Rogers’ disappearance — was also searched, FBI Louisville spokesman Tim Beam told the newspaper.

A farm in Bardstown owned by the Houck family was searched as well, the newspaper reports.

“Sadly, while most families were enjoying the Fourth of July celebrations over that weekend, Crystal’s family was instead left wondering as to her whereabouts,” FBI officials said.

“While a missing person investigation has been ongoing for the last five years, Crystal’s family and the community of Bardstown, Kentucky, still seek answers.”

The law enforcement agency also set up a website — crystalrogerstaskforce.com – to share information on the case.

“Communication from this site paired with the release of previously withheld, new, and unique details will lead us to the last piece of the puzzle,” FBI officials said.

A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Rogers’ whereabouts.

“A hallmark of the FBI is we never give up,” said FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Robert Brown. “The FBI is committed to bringing those responsible to justice, but we are going to need the community’s assistance.”