PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former teacher pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to three counts of rape related to his tenure at Miss Hall's School.

 

Matthew Rutledge, 63, was indicted last month by a Berkshire grand jury following accusations dating back to the 1990s of sexually assaulting students at the girls' school.

 

Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon, former students, publicly accused Rutledge abuse and called out the school for failing to protect them. 

 

Rutledge was working at the day and boarding school until the allegations surfaced nearly three years ago. The District Attorney's Office and Pittsfield Police investigated the claims but initially concluded no charges could be brought forward because the students were 16, the age of consent in Massachusetts. 

 

State Rep. Leigh Davis has filed a bill that would allow criminal charges to be filed against "adults in positions of authority or trust" such as guardians, tutors, coaches and others who commit indecent assault and battery on youth ages 14 to 18. 

 

Story developing ...