The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts is investigating allegations of child sex abuse at Miss Hall’s School by former student Melissa Fares against teacher Matthew Rutledge. The state’s department of children’s services is also investigating the allegations. Rutledge, who taught history at the school for over 30 years, resigned after being accused of grooming at least three students for sex. Fares and the two other former students who have come forward with allegations are represented by lawyer Eric MacLeish and are pleased that the investigation is happening.
Following Fares’ report, Rutledge was placed on administrative leave in March and resigned shortly after. The head of Miss Hall’s School, Julie Heaton, stated that the school is cooperating fully with the investigations by the Department of Children and Families and the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office. An external investigation into the allegations has been initiated by the school in response to the allegations against Rutledge. Former student Alison Cowie expressed relief that law enforcement is looking into the allegations but criticized the school for not acting sooner.
Rumors about Rutledge having inappropriate relationships with students had been circulating since the late 1990s, according to Cowie, who attended the school from 1997 to 2000. Fares, a freelance journalist, disclosed her abuse by Rutledge in a private Facebook group of Miss Hall’s School alumni, explaining that Rutledge used his position of power as a teacher and advisor to exploit her for his own satisfaction. MacLeish, the lawyer representing Fares and the other former students, mentioned that obtaining convictions for teachers who prey on students is challenging in Massachusetts due to the laws surrounding these cases.
While Fares and the other women have signed representation agreements with their lawyers, no lawsuits have been filed yet. MacLeish mentioned that Rutledge has not made any public statements since the allegations surfaced, and NBC News has been unable to reach him for comment. Although Fares is not prepared to speak publicly about her experiences with Rutledge, she and the other victims are hopeful that the investigations will lead to justice. The delay in addressing the allegations at Miss Hall’s School has been criticized by some alumni, who feel that it shouldn’t have taken public outcry for the authorities to take action against Rutledge.
The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the investigation into Rutledge is based on Fares’ allegations and that it is an active investigation. The Department of Children and Families is collaborating with law enforcement on the case. Heaton, the head of Miss Hall’s School, stated that the school is taking the allegations seriously and will cooperate with the investigations. The external investigation initiated by the school will further delve into the accusations against Rutledge and the extent of the abuse that may have occurred during his tenure at the school.
Cowie’s comments shed light on the long-standing rumors surrounding Rutledge and his relationships with students, emphasizing the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct promptly. Fares’ decision to come forward with her experiences highlights the courage it takes for survivors of abuse to speak out against their perpetrators, especially when the power dynamic of a teacher-student relationship is involved. The legal challenges of convicting teachers accused of engaging in sexual relationships with students in Massachusetts were underscored by MacLeish, demonstrating the complexities of prosecuting such cases. Despite these challenges, the ongoing investigations into Rutledge’s conduct by law enforcement and child protection agencies signal a step toward accountability and justice for the victims.
