Surveillance device results in the apprehension of a Pennsylvania stepfather in a domestic assault case.
In a landmark case that has garnered national attention, Justin Rutherford, a former doctor in Berks County, Pennsylvania, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes against his stepson and other minors. The investigation into Rutherford's actions began in the summer of 2021 when a teenage friend of his stepson discovered a hidden camera disguised as a phone charger in the Rutherford family's bathroom.
Rutherford's crimes were far-reaching, with thousands of images of people showering, using the bathroom, and changing clothes found on the device. His actions led to the family having to leave their dream home and rebuild their lives after the revelations.
Rutherford's stepson, Tyler VanScyoc, spoke out about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather since he was 11 years old. VanScyoc's courage inspired others, including actor Anthony Edwards, who met Tyler through the "1 in 6" organisation. Edwards, moved by Tyler's story, shared it publicly, highlighting the prevalence of male sexual abuse.
Rutherford's crimes did not end with the abuse. While in jail awaiting trial, he attempted to orchestrate VanScyoc's murder through letters to a close family friend. This plot led to an additional conviction and concurrent sentence of five to 10 years.
In February 2024, Rutherford was sentenced to 26 years and 10 months to 70 years, with 12 years of special probation, for charges including rape of a child and invasion of privacy. He was also convicted in a separate murder-for-hire plot. Rutherford was apprehended when he returned to the United States through Dulles International Airport in Virginia after fleeing during the investigation.
The judge issued the maximum sentence and barred Rutherford from any contact with his two young children with Stacey. Berks County Supervising Attorney Meg McCallum noted that it is shocking for people to believe that a doctor, a stepfather, or a person in a position of trust could commit such acts.
Despite the trauma he has endured, VanScyoc has shown resilience. He has moved on, getting engaged and starting to work towards becoming a personal trainer. VanScyoc's stepfather's actions have served as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and the need for justice.
Rutherford's medical license was revoked after his conviction, and the identity of the supervising attorney responsible for this case in Berks County could not be definitively determined from available records. The case has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on those involved and serves as a call to action for all to protect and support victims of abuse.
