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WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — A federal judge says a former teacher awaiting trial on child sex charges can do yard work while on home confinement.
The judge on Tuesday granted a request by Joshua Rutherford's attorney to modify his pretrial release conditions so he can work in his yard between noon and 2 p.m. each day.
Rutherford is subject to home confinement other than for court appearances and appointments with his probation officer and lawyer.
Authorities say Rutherford, who worked at Smyrna High School, began an online chat with an undercover investigator in February, thinking he was communicating with a teenage girl's father. Officials say Rutherford expressed interest in meeting the girl for sex and requested nude images.
He is charged with counts each of seeking child pornography and attempted inducement of a minor.
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