This afternoon, the City of Obetz has learned that Billy L. Wilburn III, a volunteer coach in our youth soccer program, was arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff today, September 17th, on two felony charges of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. According to the court record, the charges concern distributing and receiving such material.

The City immediately suspended Wilburn from all volunteer coaching duties and revoked his access to the youth sports program.

We recognize how disturbing this news is for parents and families. Our immediate priorities are protecting our participants, providing families with accurate information, and supporting law enforcement’s investigation.

The information currently available to the City does not establish whether these allegations involve any participant in our program. We will not speculate or offer assurances beyond what has been verified.

Anyone with information about potentially inappropriate conduct or communications involving Wilburn and a child should contact the Obetz Police Department or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Please preserve relevant messages and do not post children’s names, photographs, or accounts of possible incidents in public comments.

The charges are allegations, and Wilburn is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The City’s suspension is a protective action taken in the interest of participant safety.

We will provide additional verified information as appropriate while respecting children’s privacy and the integrity of the investigation.