Former band assistant will have to register as sex offender after guilty plea
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A former New Philadelphia High School band assistant has pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving a former student and band member.
Brandon Furbay on Tuesday 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 will sentence him on Sept. 30.
Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of probation that could also include local incarceration and a residential treatment program.
Furbay will be labeled a Tier 1 sex offender for 15 years.
He is accused of exchanging inappropriate photos with a victim between the ages of 14 and 17 between 2017 and 2021. His plea avoids a jury trial that was scheduled to begin Wednesday.
Brandon Furbay is the son of longtime New Philadelphia band director Jeff Furbay, who retired in May. New Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Amy Wentworth has said officials heard about the allegations in December and cut ties with the younger Furbay.