Walker County Couple Arrested on Child Molestation-Child Trafficking Charges

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office received information on May 15, 2026, regarding the continuing abuse of a child, which prompted further investigation. As a result of the investigation, criminal warrants for trafficking, rape, and aggravated sodomy were obtained for David Rutherford, 60, and Heather Rutherford, 43, both of Flintstone, Georgia.

A search warrant was executed at the residence of David Rutherford and Heather Rutherford, located at 102 Nancy Lane in Flintstone, on May 22, 2026. Shortly before the search warrant was executed, both David Rutherford and Heather Rutherford were taken into custody without incident in Rhea County, Tennessee, through a coordinated effort between the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing due to the nature of the charges and information learned during the investigative process. Because the investigation is still active and out of respect for the victims of traumatic abuse, no further details will be released at this time.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office thanked its law enforcement partners and community resource advocates for their assistance in the case, including the FBI Dalton Office, FBI Chattanooga Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 1 Calhoun Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, Sexual Assault Center, and Children’s Advocacy Center.