Brandon Rumbaugh, a Marine veteran and Pittsburgh-area resident who has been lauded for his service, has waived his preliminary hearing on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl multiple times at his Pleasant Hills home, reports indicate. These proceedings stem from allegations that have surfaced regarding Rumbaugh's interaction with the young girl, prompting a formal arraignment scheduled for August 7, as noted by WPXI.
Rumbaugh, whose military tenure included the loss of both legs from an IED explosion in Afghanistan, is now facing a range of charges, including statutory sexual assault and rape of a substantially impaired person. It is reported by WPXI that the girl detailed interactions that began when she was 11 or 12 years old, progressing to the point of her allegedly being sexually assaulted by Rumbaugh during sleepovers at his residence.
The criminal complaint, as divulged by WTAE, also contains the girl's claim of being instructed by Rumbaugh to maintain secrecy about the incidents until she reached 18. In addition, there appears to be surveillance footage capturing Rumbaugh and the girl at a Sheetz location, wherein Rumbaugh is seen purchasing alcohol. Despite the gravity of the case, the judge has rejected the option of bond for Rumbaugh since May 28.
David Shrager, Rumbaugh's attorney, spoke on the progression of the case after the preliminary hearing, during which the court withdrew three charges — including unlawful contact with a minor, sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault. "When you're dealing with young children, it's important to maintain some level of decorum and professionalism. That being said, if it's appropriate to have them testify, that's what we have to do," Shrager mentioned, as told to WTAE. Rumbaugh's disabilities, a result of his service, have necessitated special arrangements for court appearances, with a judge issuing a special writ to ensure his attendance, handled "with extreme professionalism" by the sheriffs, according to his attorney.
