An Indiana high school secretary has been charged with sexually abusing two students — and it was her husband who allegedly caught her in the act.
Police in Union City arrested 31-year-old Alicia Hughes following an investigation into allegations of sexual assaults she is alleged to have perpetrated against two teen boys.
When she was arrested, Hughes was working at the Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Randolph County, Indiana, Us Weekly confirmed.
Law enforcement started looking into Hughes after they received a report of an alleged battery at her home.
As responding officers were investigating the situation, they learned that Hughes’ husband had discovered her in bed with an 18-year-old enrolled as a student at the Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Union City and confronted the two of them.
Hughes is said to have been beaten and battered by her husband during the ensuing altercation. No charges have been filed yet against her husband, but the investigation into the alleged battery continues.
While they were looking into the couple, police said they allegedly uncovered evidence that Hughes had also sexually assaulted another high school student, who was 17 at the time of the reported abuse.
Investigators determined that Hughes had sexually assaulted the 17-year-old at least five times, and they obtained a warrant for her arrest.
Hughes was arrested and charged with five counts of child seduction related to the sexual abuse of the minor student.
She was transported to Randolph County Jail and is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond.
In a letter to parents, Superintendent Neal Adams did not say whether Hughes was still employed, saying only that she “has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process.”
“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.”
Us did not receive responses to calls to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the Union City Police Department seeking more information.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time, and police have asked anyone who has any information about Hughes’ alleged crimes to contact them at (937) 968-7744.
Child seduction is a felony in Indiana and must involve an adult in a position of trust — such as a teacher, coach, or law enforcement officer. The victim also must be between the ages of 16 and 18.
If she is convicted on all counts, Hughes could be sentenced to between 30 months to 30 years in prison. Judges may consider mitigating or aggravating factors, such as prior criminal history and the nature of the relationship, when determining sentencing. In some cases, probation may be granted in place of incarceration.
A conviction would also require that she register as a sex offender.
If you know of a young person who is being exploited or are the victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left at tips.fbi.gov
