Man accused of lying to grand jury in Crystal Rogers case appears in court

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The man accused of perjury in the disappearance of a Nelson County woman was in court Thursday.

Police say Danny Singleton lied to a grand jury when he testified about Crystal Rogers' disappearance. Singleton appeared before a judge this morning, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

Rogers' family says they're glad Singleton is in jail, and hope he provides information that leads to answers in her disappearance.

Singleton was given a public defender, who may not be his actual attorney in the long run. The attorney said she may have a conflict of interest, that she plans to disclose to the judge and the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Singleton worked for Brooks Houck, Rogers' longtime boyfriend and the only suspect in her disappearance last summer.

He was indicted in December on 38 counts of perjury.

Rogers' parents believe that Singleton has information in the case; they also say Crystal knew Singleton, and would sometimes give him rides home from work.

"I say if anybody knows something it would be him," said Rogers' father, Tommy Ballard. "He's worked for him for a long time. I feel like that's the only person he would trust."

"I hope he stays in jail," said Rogers' mother, Sherry Ballard. "I hope if he knows anything he comes forward and tells us that he does."

The public defender asked that Singleton's bond of $200,000 be lowered, but the Commonwealth objected, saying he is a flight risk.

This is the second time someone connected to Houck has come under police fire recently. Houck's brother, a former Bardstown police officer, was fired from the department in October.