Milwaukee Firefighter Captured in Montana; Charged with Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

A Milwaukee firefighter is under arrest, facing charges of child pornography possession and distribution.

The FBI says 44-year-old Robert Rutley was taken into custody Friday, after fleeing the area.

It comes a week after the FBI conducted a search warrant at Firehouse #29, located off 84th street on Milwaukee's south-side.

After a "forensic review of evidence seized" during the search, authorities issued a federal arrest warrant on February 13th. 

During the follow-up investigation, the FBI determined Rutley was in Montana. The FBI coordinated with the Montana Highway Patrol and on February 17th, Rutley was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop in Big Horn County, Montana. 

Rutley is facing charges of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography.

     "I was flabbergasted," says Neighbor George Viljevac. "There's kids in this neighborhood, and it's kind of disturbing that this was going on behind our backs, by people we're supposed to trust." 

Viljevac says the firehouse is within walking distance of numerous schools, and sits in a peaceful neighborhood. He says he's glad to hear about the arrest.

     "He's in a better place now, in jail, where he belongs."