A father is pursuing legal action against the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, asserting that the investigation into his disabled son's disappearance in February 2024 was mishandled. Seth Rogers, father of 15-year-old Sebastian Rogers, claims investigators failed to follow crucial leads and abandoned the search for his son too soon.
Sebastian, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and a rare genetic disorder, vanished from his mother and stepfather's home in Henderson, Tennessee. Authorities have suggested Sebastian may have left the residence unexpectedly, but his father disputes this theory. Seth Rogers stated his son, who required significant support, would not have left home without essential items like shoes, a coat, or his phone, speculating that his son might have been fleeing a situation within the home.
The lawsuit filed by Seth Rogers alleges that the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office neglected to obtain security footage from the day of Sebastian's disappearance. He also claims the department has not named any suspects or persons of interest in the case. Furthermore, Rogers has filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, asserting the agency failed to protect his son from alleged abuse. The suit claims the department investigated Sebastian's stepfather, Christopher Proudfoot, for allegations of striking the teenager but did not inform Seth Rogers before closing the investigation. The lawsuit also contends that investigators did not follow up on leads concerning the Proudfoots, including verifying Christopher's alibi or investigating why Sebastian's mother, Katie Proudfoot, canceled a doctor's appointment shortly before the teen went missing.
Christopher and Katie Proudfoot have consistently denied any involvement or wrongdoing in Sebastian's disappearance and have not been charged with any crimes related to the incident. Seth Rogers has expressed his ongoing distress and the lack of communication from investigators, stating he remains determined to find his son.
In parallel legal actions, Sebastian's mother, Katie Proudfoot, filed an order of protection against a YouTuber known as 'Bullhorn Betty,' alleging harassment and stalking. A grand jury later decided not to indict the individual, citing insufficient evidence. Sebastian's father, along with others including Dog The Bounty Hunter, filed lawsuits and injunctions against two other YouTubers and unnamed individuals for harassment and endangering their safety. A judge subsequently dismissed the defamation case against the YouTubers, citing a higher legal standard for public figures.
