Former private school teacher Matthew Rutledge arraigned on rape charges

Matthew Rutledge, a 64-year-old former teacher at Miss Hall’s School, was arraigned on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at Berkshire Superior Court on three counts of rape.

The charges involve two former students, Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon, who allege the abuse occurred between 2000 and 2010 during Rutledge's thirty-year tenure at the Pittsfield institution.

Fares, now 33, delivered a harrowing statement outside the courtroom, describing Rutledge as a "serial predator" who groomed her and stole her youth.

She noted that her perspective shifted after connecting with Simon, realising she was not alone in her trauma.

Simon, a 39-year-old lawyer, alleged that Rutledge began grooming her when she was just fifteen. She described the "heavy burden" of fighting the memory privately for two decades before Fares reached out.

"I told her I had been waiting for that call for 20 years," Simon shared. Prosecutors highlighted a report suggesting Rutledge displayed an arrogant persona at the school, reportedly shouting "Make way for Mr. Wonderful" in the hallways.

Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and urged any further witnesses to contact the authorities.

Rutledge has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In a statement, Miss Hall’s School acknowledged the "painful part of our school’s history" and expressed deep regret for the harm experienced by survivors.

The school emphasised a renewed focus on student safety and the communal process of healing.

Rutledge was released on conditions following the hearing, and a pre-trial conference has been scheduled for 18 June 2026.