Washington man sentenced for firearm possession

WASHINGTON — On July 23, 2021, the Washington Police Department received a report of stolen firearms, which led them Murphy Rutherford, a convicted felon in possession of the items.

At sentencing on Feb. 25, 2022, Rutherford, 29, of Washington, asked the court to be placed on probation while the County Attorney’s Office recommended prison. The court concluded the latter was the best option for Rutherford’s rehabilitation and for the protection of the community, and sentenced him to up to 15 years in prison.

County Attorney John Gish said the sentence was fair.

“Rutherford has a pattern of disregard for others, so this sentence is just,” he said in an email. “It is unfortunate that with Iowa’s sentencing laws, he will likely be in prison for less than 4 years.”

After Rutherford was charged with the stolen firearms, he received additional charges for a theft on Nov. 3, 2021, for driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent on Nov. 9, 2021, and for possession of a controlled substance according to a news release from the County Attorney’s office. Those three charges remain pending however, and are only accusations at time of writing: a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com