Brandon Rumbaugh, a decorated Marine veteran known for his inspirational talks and war story from Afghanistan, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl, as per reports from various Pittsburgh news outlets. Rumbaugh, who bravely lost both his legs in the line of duty, has now found himself in the center of heinous allegations involving sexual assault of a minor—an individual he had known since she was 10 years old.
According to the criminal complaint, as reported by WPXI, Rumbaugh is alleged to have engaged in sexual acts with the young girl multiple times at his home in Pleasant Hills. Despite the revered image Rumbaugh holds in the community, his status did not manage to keep him from being denied bond by a judge—being deemed a potential danger to the victim, witnesses and the broader community.
The harrowing details disclosed by the 13-year-old to investigators include a timeline where their communications began when she was just 11 or 12 years old. Rumbaugh reportedly invited the girl to his home numerous times, including a trip to the gym and watching military films. However, it is during two subsequent visits that Rumbaugh purportedly sexually assaulted her. "Police say there is surveillance video of Rumbaugh and the girl in a Sheetz, where you see Rumbaugh purchasing alcohol," WPXI reported.
The severity of the accusations has not only led to Rumbaugh's incarceration but also pressed charges including rape, statutory sexual assault, among others. Adding to a layer of complexity to this matter is Rumbaugh's reputation as a motivational figure and an honored war hero. His fall to disgrace became more unsettling considering that he was respected for "carrying a Marine to safety in Afghanistan," as WTAE adds. Rumbaugh, who was scheduled to be in court on May 28th, has made no public statements since the allegations came to light.
