Indiana High School Secretary Accused of Sexual Relationship with 17-Year-Old Student

Alicia Hughes faces five counts of child seduction and has been removed from duties with students by her employer

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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An Indiana high school secretary named Alicia Hughes is facing charges after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. Hughes was first brought to the attention of police after her husband allegedly caught her with an 18-year-old student. Further investigation uncovered evidence that Hughes had sex with the 17-year-old student on at least five occasions. Hughes has been charged with five counts of child seduction and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of inappropriate sexual relationships between school staff and underage students. It raises concerns about the potential abuse of power dynamics and the need for strict policies and oversight to protect vulnerable students. The charges against Hughes also come at a time of increased scrutiny on educator misconduct in schools.

The details

According to police, Alicia Hughes first came to their attention after her husband allegedly caught her with an 18-year-old student. Further investigation led authorities to uncover evidence that Hughes had been in a sexual relationship with a separate 17-year-old student, with the pair allegedly having sex at least five times. Hughes has been charged with five counts of child seduction and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond. Hughes worked as a high school secretary for the Randolph East School Corporation, and the district has removed her from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process.

  • The alleged incidents between Hughes and the 17-year-old student occurred sometime prior to February 16, 2026.

The players

Alicia Hughes

A high school secretary in Union City, Indiana who is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.

Randolph East School Corporation

The school district that employed Alicia Hughes as a high school secretary. The district has removed Hughes from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process.

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What they’re saying

“Hughes has been "removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process" and the district is cooperating with law enforcement.”

— Neal Adams, Superintendent (people.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Hughes' bail at a hearing on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strict policies and oversight in schools to prevent inappropriate relationships between staff and students. It raises concerns about the potential abuse of power dynamics and the vulnerability of underage students.