Warning: The Roger Hueber Investigation

Crime Junkie

  • Jul 13, 2026
  • 45:04
  • Full Episode

In August 2005, 33-year-old Sheryl Rucci disappeared from Lockport, New York, just weeks before she was expected to testify in a criminal case against Niagara County correction officer Roger Hueber. She had agreed to cooperate with investigators and was preparing to testify. Then she vanished. More than 20 years later, Sheryl Rucci has never been found.

In this episode of Crime Junkie, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat investigate a case that begins with a school administrator’s concern over a teenage student’s journal but quickly expands into a disturbing investigation involving vulnerable young people, allegations against a law enforcement officer, and the unexplained disappearance of the prosecution’s key witness.

You’ll hear about how a student’s journal in Lockport, New York launched a criminal investigation in January 2005, the allegations investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, why Sheryl Rucci became one of the prosecution’s most important witnesses, the timeline leading up to her disappearance on August 9, 2005, newly uncovered witness information reported publicly for the first time by the Crime Junkie team, and why investigators now believe Sheryl may have been the victim of foul play.

This investigation also examines allegations of long-term manipulation and abuse of authority, questions surrounding the original missing person investigation, new reporting on previously undisclosed witness accounts, the lasting impact Sheryl’s disappearance has had on her family, and why investigators continue to pursue new leads decades later.

Sheryl Rucci’s family says she would never have willingly abandoned her daughter or disappeared without contacting the people she loved. Her disappearance remains unsolved. -------- Are you a part of Ashley's Summer Watch Challenge? Text "FRIENDS" to 317-733-7485 to stamp your bingo card. Not apart of Ashley's challenge and want to join? Text "WATCH IT" to 317-733-7485 to join!

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About Ashley Flowers Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of Audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families.

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Brief Summary

Cheryl Ruchcci disappears before testifying against Roger Huber, a corrections officer accused of sexual abuse involving minors.

Key points

  • The Start of a Dark Story. On January 6th, 2005, a troubling relationship begins to unfold in Lockport, New York.
  • Emily's Concerning Journal. Emily writes about her friend Megan's troubling relationship with an adult man, Roger.
  • Investigation Begins. An administrator takes action after learning about Roger's inappropriate relationship with Megan.
  • Cheryl's Confession. Cheryl reveals a shocking past involving sexual assault with Roger.
  • Roger's Sentencing. Roger receives a maximum sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges.
  • Cheryl's Mysterious Disappearance. Cheryl was last seen on August 9th, 2005, and her family believes she didn't leave on her own.

Tension

75/ 100High tension

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