East Texas Man Punished for Online Crimes Against a Minor

You hate to hear about crime like this happening in East Texas or anywhere in Texas, but it happens everywhere. We’re fortunate to have such great law enforcement officers, and it's awesome that in Texas when people commit horrible crimes they are going to be forced to deal with the consequences of their actions. 

Recently there was a case regarding a man in Upshur County who was contacting children through Facebook in an attempt to have sex with them.  

Upshur County Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Online Crimes  

According to CBS 19, Gary Kenneth Rumbaugh, pleaded guilty to online solicitation of a minor under 14 years old. It was at that time the judge sentenced him to 50 years in prison. 

Rumbaugh Had Done This Multiple Times 

According to the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office, the 55-year-old was living in his mother’s home and contacting children on Facebook messenger including one 12-year-old specifically.  

He invited the 12-year-old to his home giving the exact address and also invited the child to Gladewater Park. Also, stating that he had sex with children around their age before. No other victims have been identified. 

Law Enforcement Worked Together 

The efforts to put Rumbaugh behind bars was done by the Gladewater Police Department and Upshur County District Attorney’s Office.  

We are fortunate to have such great law enforcement agencies here in East Texas to make sure this type of behavior doesn’t continue and people who attempt things like this have to face their punishment.