SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - A Sheboygan man will spend 35 years in prison for sexually assaulting his daughter over a seven year period. 36 year old Shaun Rutherford was charged back in March for sexual actions he did to his daughter starting when she was five. A jury found him guilty of all four charges during a three day trial in August.
In his sentencing Thursday, Judge L. Edward Stengel said Rutherford continues to see himself as the victim and willing to deflect responsibility of his actions to other like his own children. He also had words of encouragement for the victim, saying the actions of Rutherford are not her fault and she should see the sentencing as a new beginning in her life.
The victim and other members of her family were in the courtroom and spoke during the hearing. All shared how the events caused by Rutherford's actions affected their lives, with some saying they hope he will receive proper judgment.
In addition to prison, Rutherford will spend 20 years on extended supervision, register as a sex offender, have no contact with the victim or family members, and have no unsupervised contact with any female under the age of 18.