Pickleball Billy’s Second Arrest: William Leonard Hartig, 78, known as “Pickleball Billy,” has been jailed without bond following his second arrest for violating bond conditions. Hartig, a USA Pickleball ambassador in The Villages, was booked at the Sumter County Detention Center on Monday after previously being released on March 7.
Hartig’s latest arrest stems from two counts of trespassing. He had been formally banned from a neighbor’s property in Hallandale Villas in the Village of St. Charles. Surveillance footage captured him crossing onto the neighbor’s land on October 17 and November 27, despite a trespass order issued in April by the state attorney’s office.
Background on Trespassing Charges
The neighbor, a man in his 70s, had taken steps to mark his property line with small flags. This clear demarcation was meant to inform Hartig of the boundaries. The information regarding Hartig’s trespassing was sent to the state attorney’s office, which led to the issuance of warrants for his original arrest.
The case has drawn attention in the community, especially given Hartig’s status as a local pickleball ambassador. His arrests have raised questions about his behavior and its impact on the local pickleball community.
Future Implications
Hartig’s repeated legal issues may affect his role within the pickleball community and how he is perceived by fellow players. As a prominent figure, his actions have implications for the reputation of pickleball in The Villages.
The circumstances surrounding his arrests highlight the importance of property boundaries and local regulations. Hartig will face legal consequences for his actions, and the case serves as a reminder to all community members about respecting neighbors’ rights.
News in Brief: Pickleball Billy’s Second Arrest
William Leonard Hartig, known as “Pickleball Billy,” has been jailed without bond after violating bond conditions from a previous arrest for trespassing. The 78-year-old was caught on surveillance crossing into a neighbor’s property. His actions have raised concerns within the local pickleball community in The Villages.
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