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Palm Bay band director fired over harassment claims

PALM BAY, Fla. — Brevard County School District officials voted Tuesday to fire a Palm Bay band director, accused of sexually harassing students.

J. Bernard Wilkins worked at Heritage High School.

He was put on paid administrative leave after parents and students accused him of inappropriate behavior that often turned sexual.

The superintendent recommended Wilkins be fired after a district investigation found he made sexual comments to students, left bruises on a student's chest with drum sticks and took money from band funds.

His termination is effective immediately.