School Secretary Faces Child Seduction Charges After Police Investigation
A high school secretary has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child seduction following allegations of a sexual relationship with a student, according to police authorities in Indiana. The case emerged after law enforcement responded to a separate domestic disturbance report over the weekend.
Allegations Surface During Battery Investigation
Alicia Hughes, a 31-year-old secretary at Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Union City, Indiana, was taken into custody after police officers responded to what they described as an "alleged battery" incident on Saturday. According to the Union City Police Department, the altercation occurred when Hughes' husband confronted her and an 18-year-old student from the school where she worked.
Police have confirmed that Hughes was the individual allegedly battered during this confrontation, though specific details about the incident remain undisclosed. Authorities have not indicated whether Hughes' husband will face any charges related to the domestic disturbance.
Discovery of Alleged Sexual Relationship
During their investigation into the battery report, detectives uncovered evidence suggesting Hughes had engaged in sexual relations with a different student who was 17 years old at the time. Investigators allege that the sexual encounters occurred on at least five separate occasions in Union City, a small community of approximately 3,500 residents situated near the Ohio border.
"The investigation into the alleged battery led to the discovery of these more serious allegations involving a minor student," police officials stated without providing additional specifics about how the relationship was uncovered.
Legal Proceedings and School Response
Following her arrest, Hughes was transported to Randolph County Jail where she faces five formal counts of child seduction related to her alleged relationship with the minor student. She is currently being held on a $25,000 bond while the investigation continues.
The Randolph Eastern School Corporation has confirmed it is fully cooperating with the police investigation and has removed Hughes from all duties involving student interaction. However, school administrators have declined to comment on specific details about Hughes or her employment history, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Neal Adams, superintendent at Randolph Eastern School Corporation, addressed the community in a written statement: "We recognize that situations of this nature are deeply concerning for our families, staff, and the broader community. Please know that we share those concerns and are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, care, and urgency. Our focus remains on supporting our students and maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students."
The Union City Police Department has emphasized that their investigation remains active, with additional details potentially emerging as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding both the alleged battery and the child seduction charges.
