BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Brooks Houck, the man charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend, Crystal Rogers, wants to disqualify the judge in his case.

What You Need To Know

  • Attorneys for Brooks Houck want to disqualify the judge in the case

  • They claim Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms is biased

  • An affidavit makes several claims about Simms

  • Houck pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the case of Crystal Rogers

Houck’s attorneys, Brian Butler and Michael Denbow filed an affidavit on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to remove Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms from the case claiming he’s biased against Houck. 

 

The document claims there are numerous demonstrations of bias against Houck. The affidavit says, “Judge Simm’s behavior with regard to Mr. Houck is such that his ‘impartiality might reasonably be questioned from the perspective of a reasonable observer who is informed of all the surrounding facts and circumstances.’”

The document also points to Houck’s $10 million cash bond, calling it “grossly excessive” and attorneys saying it points to Simm’s inability to be impartial.

On Oct. 10, Judge Simms denied a motion by Houck’s attorneys to have the bond reduced.

Houck entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment on Oct. 5. He is scheduled to be back in court in Feb. 2024. 

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