The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the sentencing of Ross S. Rutherford, 33, of Savannah, MO, for two counts of sexual trafficking of a child.

On January 26, 2026, Rutherford was sentenced by the Circuit Court of Andrew County to 40 years in prison, 30 years on count one and 10 years on count two, to run concurrently. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) of DDCC. SVU was assisted by the Missouri Digital Forensic Center, Jackson Police Department, Maryville Department of Public Safety, and Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney Monica Morey.

During the summer of 2024, the Jackson Police Department initiated an investigation into sexual trafficking of a child after receiving a report from a concerned parent. The parent noticed their child had been contacted online, by several unknown adults, requesting sexually explicit material. Jackson Police Department investigators identified Rutherford as a suspect and requested SVU’s assistance in the investigation.

Rutherford was arrested on January 29, 2025, after SVU investigators, along with Maryville DPS, obtained evidence Rutherford contacted two children online, a 13-year-old from Jackson, MO, and a 17-year-old from Cape Girardeau, MO. Rutherford sent the children money, in exchange for producing and sending sexually explicit files.

This sentence is the result of an investigation by DDCC and its commitment to protecting children in our communities. It is also the result of the coordinated efforts of SVU, along with the Jackson Police Department, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney.

DDCC encourages internet users to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children.

Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperDDCC.