Ex-Marine Brandon Rumbaugh, a double amputee, charged with raping a 13-year-old girl.
Brandon Rumbaugh, a motivational speaker and decorated former Marine who previously lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, is currently embroiled in a criminal investigation following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. Authorities initiated an investigation earlier this month after a 13-year-old girl disclosed to police that she had been sexually assaulted by Rumbaugh at his residence near Pittsburgh.
According to law enforcement reports, the young girl described Rumbaugh as a family friend, indicating that their acquaintance dated back to when she was just 10 years old. After establishing a friendship, the two began communicating via phone when she was 11 or 12. The allegations detail several instances during which the girl spent the night at Rumbaugh’s home in Pleasant Hills. While she reported that no inappropriate conduct occurred during her first overnight stay, she claims that Rumbaugh raped her on two separate occasions during the subsequent visits.
The criminal complaint outlines troubling specifics regarding the incidents. It is alleged that Rumbaugh provided the teenager with alcoholic iced tea prior to the assaults, which she stated left her feeling disoriented. Court documents reveal that he allegedly instructed her to keep the encounters secret until she reached the age of eighteen, exacerbating the gravity of the accusations.
Brandon Rumbaugh is widely recognized for his military service, having been awarded a Commendation Medal for valor after he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) while aiding a fellow Marine in 2009. His heroism has made him a notable figure, and he has since turned to motivational speaking, establishing a company called ACT—Action Conquers Terror—through which he shares his experiences with diverse audiences, including corporate teams and students.
As of last week, Rumbaugh faces multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, and aggravated indecent assault. He is currently incarcerated without bond, prompting significant public and media interest regarding the unfolding legal proceedings. The allegations against Rumbaugh raise serious concerns not only for the integrity of his legacy as a soldier but also for the safety of minors in communities where he has been a public figure. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather evidence as they navigate this complex and deeply troubling case.
