A 31-year-old Indiana school secretary now sits behind bars after her husband caught her with a student, triggering a law enforcement investigation that uncovered a far more extensive pattern of criminal conduct inside her own school district.
Alicia Hughes, a secretary employed by the Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Union City, Indiana, was taken into custody by the Union City Police Department following what initially appeared to be a domestic battery call.
Officers received a report over the weekend about an alleged battery incident.
When they responded and began gathering information, the nature of the case quickly shifted from a domestic matter to a criminal investigation involving a school employee and minors.
Police said Hughes’ husband discovered her with an 18-year-old student who attended Randolph Eastern School Corporation. The husband then confronted the two.
During the altercation that followed, Hughes was allegedly battered by her husband.
That specific incident is now under separate investigation by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.
As Union City Police continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the battery, they uncovered evidence pointing to additional criminal conduct by Hughes involving a different student entirely.
Investigators determined that Hughes had engaged in a sexual relationship with a second student, this one 17 years old and therefore a minor under Indiana law.
“Investigators determined that Hughes and the minor engaged in sexual intercourse on at least five occasions,” a police statement said, according to Fox News.
Based on that evidence, police moved forward with charges. Hughes now faces five counts of child seduction connected to the alleged relationship with the 17-year-old student.
It remains unclear whether Hughes will face separate charges stemming from her alleged encounter with the 18-year-old student that her husband discovered. Hughes’ husband has not been publicly identified, and it is not yet known whether he will face any charges related to the alleged battery.
People magazine reported that following her arrest, Hughes was transported to the Randolph County Jail. She is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond.
The Randolph Eastern School Corporation moved swiftly once the arrest was made. Superintendent Neal Adams addressed Hughes’ employment status in a public statement, though he stopped short of confirming whether she remained on the district’s payroll.
Adams stated that Hughes “has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process.”
Adams also addressed the district’s position on the ongoing investigation.
“Because this is an active criminal investigation, and to protect the privacy of students and the integrity of the process, RESC will not comment further on specific details at this time,” Adams said.
“We will continue to follow all legal and personnel procedures required under state law and board policy.”
Fox 59 reported that the Union City Police Department stated that it “extends its appreciation to the Randolph Eastern School Corporation for its swift cooperation, transparency, and commitment to protecting the students of the district throughout this investigation.”
The Union City Police Department confirmed the investigation into Hughes remains active and ongoing. Anyone with relevant information has been encouraged to contact the department directly.
