Editor’s note: The article originally stated that the investigation began in 2023 but it has since been corrected to 2024.
A former assistant band director at New Philadelphia City Schools is facing felony charges after authorities say he exchanged nude images with a female student over several years, beginning when she was a teenager.
Brandon C. Furbay, 27, of New Philadelphia, has been indicted on two fifth-degree felony charges: illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, and disseminating material harmful to juveniles, according to the New Philadelphia Police Department.
Investigators say the alleged conduct began in 2017, when the victim was 14 or 15 years old and Furbay was 19 or 20. The exchanges reportedly occurred over Snapchat and continued until the student graduated from New Philadelphia High School and moved away in 2021.
The case came to light in December 2024 after a concerned parent shared a photo with school officials. In response, the district launched an internal investigation and contacted local law enforcement. Superintendent Amy Wentworth said the district immediately retained an outside investigator to conduct a review, which included interviews with Furbay, the student, the reporting parent, and several former students.
Police say the student disclosed that the relationship began with casual communication through social media during her freshman year but later progressed to the exchange of nude photographs. According to the police report, Furbay acknowledged during questioning that such images had been shared between them.
Furbay was placed on paid administrative leave on Jan. 3. He was later notified in a Feb. 13 letter from the superintendent that his contract would not be renewed when it expires July 31. On the same day, the district informed him that he was prohibited from accessing school property without prior written approval. His pay was suspended following the conclusion of the investigation, district records show.
“New Philadelphia City Schools upholds and expects high standards of quality and conduct from all employees,” Wentworth said in a statement. “We remain committed to fostering a culture of respect and safety for all students and staff. We will not and do not tolerate behavior that runs contrary to these values.”
Furbay is scheduled to be arraigned in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court on April 22 before Judge Michael Ernest.
