Former student claims Dunbar HS band director crossed boundaries before sexual misconduct arrest

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A former student of Dunbar High School's band director, who is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student and possession of child porn, has come forward after his arrest about his behavior and involvement with her friend.

Leroy Irving Jr., 48, was arrested by the United States Marshals Service after an investigation by Fort Myers police revealed allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior with students.

One of Irving's former students, Nevaeha Fahey, said he was known to students as "Doc". She said he initially seemed like a good teacher, but later made her uncomfortable with his behavior.

"He offered to give me rides multiple times home, and my mom wasn't comfortable with that. I thought it was fine just because he was a teacher," Fahey said.

Fahey described Irving's behavior as increasingly inappropriate. "He was a good band director, but he always had inappropriate jokes, or he would throw drumsticks at the people. He would blow kisses at the girls," she said.

On March 21, the stepmother of a student called the police to report an alleged relationship.

The call prompted an investigation, which revealed that Irving reportedly had sexual communications with that student, and Fahey said her friend was the victim.

The victim, who is not being named, tried to delete information from her phone multiple times, according to the report.

In the affidavit, the girl told police she had sex with Irving at least two to three times, since September, in his car, but she denied having sexual conversations with him.

According to the affidavit, investigators say they collected digital evidence, social media records and witness statements they believed supported the allegations.

"When Doc finally got escorted out of the school, I went up to her because she was one of my friends, and I'm like, hey, what's going on? She showed me her phone, and Doc was begging the girl for nudes, and it was like really inappropriate," Fahey said.

The affidavit also alleges Irving attempted to conceal or destroy evidence during the investigation by resetting his phone and telling the student to close out apps.

According to the records, Irving denied having any inappropriate sexual relationship with a student.

Irving was given a $100,000 bond following his arrest. The School District of Lee County said Irving was suspended in March and that formal disciplinary actions will now be taken.

Fahey's mother, Barbara, emphasized the importance of parents being aware of changes in their children's behavior and checking in regularly.

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