The Department of Education said Monday that the executive director of the Brooklyn Music and Arts Program resigned due to allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Special Commissioner of Investigation Richard J. Condon released a seven-page investigative report that claims Tyrone Brown was involved with a 17-year-old female student. The student was also a member of the famed Brooklyn Steppers group, which Brown mentored.
According to testimony in the report, the 17-year-old answered the door of Brown's home while wearing her pajamas. Other interviews in the report say Brown sent nearly 3,000 text messages to the teen in one month. One student told investigators that she saw a sexually explicit text message sent from Brown to the girl. Fellow Brooklyn Steppers say they are shocked to hear of the investigation.
In a statement, Brown says, "Even in this tragic allegation, there is still a lesson being taught. That lesson is being careful in everything you do, because allegations are enough."
Brown resigned from his position April 17. A representative for the DOE says Brown has been placed on the ineligible list, meaning he can no longer work with students.