The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is asking potential victims of William "Billy" Durning to contact detectives. The public appeal widens the investigation into the former Woodlands High School wrestling coach.
The sheriff's Major Crimes Unit is reviewing a large volume of evidence and contacting individuals who may have information about the case, according to an MCSO statement published Oct. 16 by Woodlands Online. Durning coached at multiple locations across several states, the statement said.
The sheriff's office took over the investigation after the Conroe Independent School District (CISD) Police Department and CISD superintendent requested an independent probe on Sept. 23.
That request followed a determination by the Texas Attorney General's Office that the CISD Police Department lacked primary jurisdiction to investigate child abuse allegations under Chapter 261 of the Texas Family Code, according to Miranda Hahs, Montgomery County public affairs director, in an earlier statement reported by Woodlands Online.
MCSO had been aware of the allegations since April 2026, according to an Oct. 7 statement reported by Hello Woodlands. At that time, CISD police told the sheriff's office they would handle the investigation with the District Attorney's Office and that MCSO's help was not needed.
CISD said it acted the same day it learned of the allegations, April 27, removing Durning from campus, placing him on leave and reporting the matter to Child Protective Services and the Texas Education Agency, according to a district statement published by Woodlands Online. Durning resigned May 6. He is no longer employed by the district, according to CISD.
CISD police investigated the allegations, and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case. No chargeable offense was found, according to the district's statement. The entire case file was then submitted to the DA's office after the attorney general's opinion, and a sheriff's office detective was assigned.
State Rep. Steve Toth held a press conference Oct. 6 calling for a thorough, independent investigation. Several Woodlands High School fathers whose daughters allegedly reported grooming attempts by Durning attended, along with alleged victims and supporters.
Charlie Strange, father of a Woodlands High School wrestler, said at the press conference that he was proud of his daughter for posting on Instagram about the alleged grooming. "Because of her, many more girls have come forward with harrowing stories of their own," Strange said.
Toth cited Texas Penal Code Section 15.032, which makes it a felony to persuade, induce, entice or coerce a child, or attempt to, with the intent that a sexual offense be committed. Physical contact is not required under the statute.
The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office does not comment on cases under investigation.
Durning has not been charged. No public response from Durning or a legal representative appears in available records as of Oct. 16. Anyone with information is urged to contact the MCSO Major Crimes Unit at 936-760-5876.
