LG Pastor Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Rev. Joel Rumbaugh, 59 of La Grange, was arrested last week on multiple child sexual abuse charges.

According to La Grange Police Chief David Gilbreath, Rumbaugh is being charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Randy Albers set bond at $100,000.

Rumbaugh was still in jail as of Friday, July 21. He appeared at a district court hearing on Tuesday, July 18.

Rumbaugh is listed as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in La Grange, located on Ellinger Road at the east end of town. The Record attempted to contact Bethel Baptist Church for a comment on Friday, but the church’s phone number appeared to be disconnected and an email was returned as undeliverable.

Gilbreath said La Grange Police Detective Gonzalo Anguiano is conducting the investigation. 

The Chief declined to provide additional details pending the outcome of the investigation. He also withheld information about the victims to protect their privacy.