The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts is currently investigating allegations of child sex abuse against a former teacher at Miss Hall’s School. The teacher in question, Matthew Rutledge, resigned amidst accusations that he groomed multiple students for sex during his 30-plus years at the school. The investigation was prompted by former student Melissa Fares, who reported Rutledge to the school administration for sexually abusing and exploiting her. The District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the investigation is underway and that the state’s Department of Children and Families is also looking into the matter.
The statute of limitations for sex abuse of a minor in Massachusetts is 35 years, providing a window of opportunity for legal action in cases like this. Fares, along with two other former students who have come forward with allegations against Rutledge, are pleased that the investigation is taking place. They have retained legal representation, but have not yet filed lawsuits against the former teacher. Fares, who is not currently ready to speak publicly about her experiences with Rutledge, expressed her satisfaction with the investigation in a private Facebook group for Miss Hall’s School alumni.
The head of school, Julie Heaton, stated that the school is in active communication with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and will fully cooperate with the investigations. She also announced that the school is initiating an independent investigation into the allegations. Former student Alison Cowie, who attended Miss Hall’s School in the late 1990s, recalled rumors about Rutledge’s inappropriate relationships with students during her time there. She expressed relief that law enforcement is now looking into the matter, but was disappointed that it took so long for the school to address the issue.
Rutledge, who primarily taught history at the school, was placed on administrative leave in late March after Fares made her allegations. He resigned shortly after and has not made any public statements regarding the accusations against him. The former teacher has been banned from the school’s campus, and efforts by NBC News to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful. Attorney Eric MacLeish, who is representing Fares and the other former students, noted that it can be challenging to secure convictions in cases of teachers preying on students in Massachusetts, where the laws surrounding such misconduct are not as strict as in some other states.
The former students who have come forward with allegations against Rutledge are hopeful that the investigation will lead to justice being served. It is a significant step for them to see their claims being taken seriously by law enforcement and the school. The public disclosure of these allegations has sparked conversations within the Miss Hall’s School community about ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational settings. The outcome of the investigation and any legal actions that may result will be closely watched by those who are concerned about preventing similar incidents in the future.
