Band assistant sentenced to probation, residential treatment
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A former New Philadelphia band assistant will spend five years on probation for exchanging inappropriate photos with a student.
Brandon Furbay, 27, in August pleaded guilty to two fifth-degree felony counts: “illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance,” and “disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.”
Judge Michael Ernest last week sentenced him to five years of probation and required him to complete a six-month residential treatment program at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center. If he violates the terms, Furbay faces two years in prison. He will be labeled a Tier 1 sex offender for 15 years.
A March grand jury indictment says the offenses took place between 2017 and 2021 when the victim was between the ages of 14 and 17 and Furbay was between the ages of 19 and 23. Officials confirmed Furbay was a band assistant and the minor was a New Philadelphia student at the time of the offenses. Furbay last worked for the district in fall 2024. Brandon Furbay is the son of longtime New Philadelphia band director Jeff Furbay, who retired in May.