Local News

Actions

Tennessee man wanted for sex crimes in the 80's arrested in Bakersfield

Arrest generic
Posted
and last updated

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A man, wanted for sex crimes back in the 80's, was arrested in Bakersfield.

Rufus Stevens Jr., 67, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday at his home in the 2600 block of Brookside Drive in southwest Bakersfield.

Stevens was indicted by Shelby County grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee. Throughout 1982, officials said Stevens, on multiple occasions, forced himself on a 12 year old family member and repeatedly raped them.

Authorities developed a lead that Stevens had started a new life and was residing in Bakersfield.

Stevens was booked in the Kern County jail, is awaiting extradition to Tennessee and disposition of his case, officials said.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Wednesday

01/28/2026

Mostly Clear

-° / 39°

2%

Thursday

01/29/2026

Mostly Clear

62° / 40°

12%

Friday

01/30/2026

Partly Cloudy

63° / 42°

5%

Saturday

01/31/2026

Mostly Clear

67° / 44°

3%

Sunday

02/01/2026

Mostly Cloudy

66° / 45°

7%

Monday

02/02/2026

Clear

63° / 45°

7%

Tuesday

02/03/2026

Mostly Clear

64° / 44°

6%

Wednesday

02/04/2026

Clear

67° / 46°

2%