READING, Pa. – Justin Rutherford, a former doctor in Berks County, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after pleading guilty to rape and related offenses in late 2022. The sentencing took place on Monday, marking a significant development in a case that has shocked the local community.
Rutherford, identified as a former doctor from Amity Township, received a sentence of 26 years and 10 months to 70 years in state prison. This substantial sentence is to be followed by 12 years of special probation. The charges against Justin Rutherford Doctor stemmed from a non-negotiated plea to rape of a child, rape of an unconscious person, sexual abuse of children, and invasion of privacy.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams confirmed that Rutherford entered a non-negotiated plea to these multiple felony charges. The investigation into Justin Rutherford began in 2021, triggered by a tip received by a state hotline. This tip led to a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities have emphasized that the serious crimes committed by the former doctor were not related to his professional medical practice. The investigation revealed that Rutherford had been using a hidden camera in his home bathroom to record individuals without their knowledge or consent as they were in various states of undress. Law enforcement officials discovered thousands of compromising video and photo images during his arrest. In addition to the hidden camera offenses, Justin Rutherford was also charged with the sexual assault of two underage victims. His arrest in 2021 followed the tip received by the state hotline, prompting immediate action from the district attorney’s office.
District Attorney Adams expressed disbelief and condemnation, stating, “This is not behavior we would ever believe a doctor would commit.” The actions of Justin Rutherford doctor have deeply impacted the community and shaken trust.
Adding to the severity of the case, while awaiting sentencing for the sexual assault charges, Rutherford was implicated in a separate criminal matter. He was charged with criminal solicitation to commit murder, accused of attempting to orchestrate the murder of one of the witnesses involved in his sexual assault case. Investigators intercepted jailhouse communications where Rutherford allegedly provided detailed information about a victim, including their address, schedule, vehicle, and other personal details, while discussing plans for their murder.
District Attorney Adams clarified that while the alleged murder plot was not a direct factor in Monday’s sentencing for the rape and sexual abuse charges, Rutherford still faces these additional serious charges. “After reviewing the charges, I thought the sentencing was fair and just for the horrific offenses that this individual committed,” Adams stated. He further added, “Justin Rutherford is continuing to face additional charges, criminal solicitation to commit murder.”
Previously, DA Adams had made it clear that the charges against Justin Rutherford were not connected to his former profession as a physician. The focus remains on the grave sexual offenses and the subsequent alleged attempt to obstruct justice through witness elimination.
