Pickleball Billy’s Legal Troubles: William Leonard Hartig, widely known as “Pickleball Billy” in The Villages, had his bond revoked after an alleged incident at a postal station. The 78-year-old, a USA Pickleball ambassador, will be held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center for violating a judge’s order.
Background of the Incident
Hartig’s arrest stemmed from a previous incident on March 7, when he was caught on surveillance crossing onto a neighbor’s property in the Hallandale Villas in the Village of St. Charles. The neighbor, a man in his 70s, had previously obtained a trespass order against Hartig, officially banning him from the property.
Upon his arrest, Hartig was released with a no contact order, where he was specifically told not to enter the neighbor’s property or have any further contact with him. Hartig signed a “Receipt of No Victim Contact Order,” acknowledging the judge’s warning.
The Postal Station Incident
However, earlier this month, Hartig was spotted at a postal station when the neighbor arrived to pick up his mail. The brief interaction between the two men escalated when Hartig reportedly said, “You think this 75 feet is enough for you?” referring to the distance restriction placed between him and the neighbor.
The two exchanged brief comments, with the neighbor mentioning Hartig’s recent time in jail and Hartig responding by stating, “I’ll see you on the 5th. I have an attorney and I have some questions for you,” according to an arrest report.
Legal Consequences
As a result of this encounter, Hartig’s bond was revoked, and he is now being held indefinitely without bond. A jury trial for Hartig’s case is tentatively scheduled for May 5.
Impact on Hartig’s Pickleball Involvement
Hartig, who is well-known in The Villages pickleball community, has become a recognizable figure through his ambassador role. This recent legal setback, however, may impact his standing within the community and the sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball Billy’s Legal Troubles
William Leonard Hartig, known as “Pickleball Billy,” had his bond revoked after an alleged incident at a postal station where he violated a no-contact order. Hartig is now held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center, with a jury trial scheduled for May 5.
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