Indiana School Secretary Admits to Sexual Relationship with Student in Police Interrogation
Alicia Hughes, a 31-year-old school secretary from Indiana, broke down in tears during a police interrogation as she admitted to having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student. The mother of three confessed to investigators that she had been physically intimate with the student on three separate occasions, according to newly released interrogation footage and official reports on the case.
Confession and Charges
During the emotional police interview, Hughes can be heard telling officers, "This is the third time that I've been with him." She insisted that all sexual contact occurred only after the student had turned 18 years old. Despite this claim, Hughes has been charged with five counts of child seduction related to allegations involving a separate 17-year-old student who was still a minor at the time of the alleged encounters.
Under Indiana law, authorities allege that Hughes was in a "position of authority" over the students, which forms the central basis for the child seduction charges. Each count carries a potential penalty of up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine, meaning Hughes could face a maximum of thirty years imprisonment if convicted on all charges.
Valentine's Day Incident and Investigation
The case began with an overnight police response on Valentine's Day to Hughes' home following an alleged battery report. Investigators discovered that Hughes' husband had reportedly found her in bed with the 18-year-old student earlier that day, leading to a confrontation between the couple.
While initially investigating the incident involving the 18-year-old, police soon shifted their focus to more serious allegations concerning a 17-year-old student. According to an affidavit cited in local reports, the alleged relationship with the minor began after he called the school to report himself absent. Hughes answered the call, and the student later received a text message from an unknown number that was traced back to Hughes' personal cellphone.
Interrogation Revelations
Footage from the Union City Police Department interview room shows Hughes swinging between calm admissions and tearful appeals as detectives pressed her about potential relationships with other students. When asked directly if she had been physical with any other students, Hughes replied, "The physical thing … has been going on since the end of January. This is the third time that I've been with him."
She quickly added, "Not like before he was 18. Like this is the third time I've physically been with him."
Investigators already had information about the 17-year-old student coming forward with allegations of a sexual relationship while he was still a minor. When questioned about this, Hughes initially denied having sex with any other students, but her answers became increasingly inconsistent as the interrogation progressed.
Parklot Meetings and Digital Evidence
Authorities allege there were at least five sexual encounters involving the 17-year-old minor. The first alleged encounter reportedly occurred in the parking lot of the Union City Dollar General, followed by four more meetings, including two at Harter Park near soccer fields.
During questioning about an alleged meeting in the Dollar General parking lot, Hughes acknowledged contact with the minor while denying intercourse. "Yes, I have met him, but I never slept with him," she told investigators. When asked about sending pictures, Hughes admitted, "Yes," before requesting a lawyer and ending the interview.
Personal Circumstances and Legal Proceedings
Throughout her interrogation, Hughes claimed that while her actions were "not justified," she had been "physically and mentally" abused by her husband. There has been no public response from him regarding these allegations. Court records show that Hughes' husband, Bailey Hughes, has since filed for divorce and petitioned for emergency custody of their three children.
Hughes was arrested earlier this month and booked into the Randolph County Jail, where she was held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. The Eastern Randolph School Corporation issued a statement confirming that Hughes "has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process."
School District Response
The school district's superintendent stated they became aware of the arrest "following a law enforcement investigation into allegations involving inappropriate conduct with a student." The district emphasized that it had "fully cooperated with law enforcement" and would continue to do so as the investigation proceeds, citing student safety as its "highest priority."
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward, with Hughes facing serious felony charges that could result in decades of imprisonment and substantial financial penalties if she is convicted on all counts.
