Thomas G. Rutledge, a 37-year-old from Green Lane, PA, has been arrested for luring and endangering a minor after a joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Teaneck Police Department.
Authorities allege Rutledge used Snapchat to engage in explicit conversations with a minor under 16 and arranged to meet at a Teaneck hotel.
Following a months-long investigation, he was arrested at his Pennsylvania home with assistance from Homeland Security. He is now in custody at Bucks County Correctional Facility, awaiting extradition to Bergen County.
Rutledge faces second-degree luring and third-degree endangerment charges. The case highlights the risks of social media exploitation and underscores the need for vigilance in protecting minors online.