A former Ellsworth High School band teacher pleaded guilty to a felony sex charge and will be sentenced May 20 in Pierce County Circuit Court.

Brandon A. Fuhrman, 24, Yuma, Ariz., (formerly of River Falls) pleaded guilty to and was convicted of felony sexual assault of child by person who works or volunteers with children at a plea hearing Jan. 11. One count of felony sexual assault of child and two misdemeanor sexual intercourse with child 16 or older charges were dismissed.

Fuhrman was placed on administrative leave in February 2023 after an alleged sexual relationship with a student was exposed. The maximum penalty he faces is up to six years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.

According to the complaint, on Feb. 20, 2023 an EHS student’s guardian reported to police the first-year band teacher (Furhman) had been having a sexual relationship with that student. The guardian said the student had admitted she and the teacher had been involved in a sexual relationship. There had apparently been suspicions about the student’s relationship with the teacher because they seemed to be too close personally for a professional teacher/student relationship.

The student told police their relationship developed over the school year and “became intense.”

Fuhrman was arrested Feb. 20, 2023 at Ellsworth High School. A substitute band teacher finished out the rest of the school year.