ELLSWORTH – An Ellsworth High School teacher was arrested Monday, Feb. 20 and booked into Pierce County Jail on sex with child age 16 or older and sexual assault of a student by school staff charges.

As of press time Tuesday, Feb. 21, Brandon Alan Fuhrman, 23, River Falls, had not been formally charged in Pierce County Circuit Court. He is in his first year of teaching band at Ellsworth High School.

Superintendent Barry Cain sent out a letter to families and staff at 11 a.m. Tuesday: “This letter is to inform and update families about the arrest of a senior high school staff member yesterday evening (February 20, 2023). Brandon Fuhrman, the Ellsworth Senior High School Band Instructor, was taken into custody by police on charges of Sex with a Child Age 16 or older and Sexual Assault of a Student by School Staff.

“Mr. Fuhrman was taken into custody at the Ellsworth Senior High School following an investigation that began following an initial complaint late in the school day yesterday. Law enforcement officials were involved in the investigation upon receipt of the complaint and completed their investigation into the evening.

“Mr. Fuhrman was placed on unpaid administrative leave at the time of the arrest.

“School District staff will be continuing to work throughout the coming days to meet the needs of our students, families, and staff.”