ANDREW COUNTY— The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating a suspect on child sex crime allegations.
In September 2024, investigators with the Special Victims Unit were notified of a social media account tied to 32-year-old Ross S. Rutherford of Savannah, according to a media release from the patrol.
Rutherford had allegedly contacted a 13-year-old via a messaging app and engaged in sexually charged conversations with the juvenile, including sending pornographic images and videos.
On January 29, 2025, investigators located Rutherford in Maryville, Missouri. After questioning, investigators arrested and transported Him to the Andrew County Jail. On January 30 the Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Rutherford with one count of 2nd-degree sexual trafficking of a child. Rutherford is being held at the Andrew County Jail without bond.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Maryville Department of Public Safety and the Jackson Police Department.
