School Secretary Accused of Sex with Students, Lawyer Slams Police Over Viral Video

Alicia Hughes' attorney calls release of interrogation video an "injustice of magnanimous proportions"

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 31-year-old married school secretary in Indiana, Alicia Hughes, was arrested in February for allegedly having sexual relationships with two high school students - one 18 years old and one 17 years old at the time. Her lawyer is now calling for action after a video of her police interrogation went viral, which he described as an "injustice of magnanimous proportions."

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of educators engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with students, which is a violation of trust and power dynamics. It also raises questions about the handling of sensitive interrogation footage by law enforcement and the potential impact on the defendant's right to a fair trial.

The details

According to police, Hughes was caught by her husband having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student. Further investigation uncovered evidence that she also had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student, engaging in intercourse with him on at least five occasions. Hughes was arrested and charged with five counts of child seduction, a Level 5 felony in Indiana. Her lawyer is now demanding action after the police department released a video of her interrogation, which he claims has gone viral and prejudiced her right to a fair trial.

  • On Feb. 17, 2026, Hughes was arrested and charged with five counts of child seduction.
  • Hughes is scheduled to appear in court on April 16 for pretrial motions, then on May 7 for a pretrial conference, and the jury trial begins on June 15.

The players

Alicia Hughes

A 31-year-old married school secretary at an Indiana high school who was arrested for allegedly having sexual relationships with two high school students.

David M. Jordan

The attorney representing Alicia Hughes, who is calling for action after the police department released a video of her interrogation.

Mark Ater

The Union City Police Department's director of public safety, who admitted to releasing the interrogation video and defended the department's actions.

David Daly

The Randolph County Prosecutor, who expressed concern over the release of the interrogation video and stated his commitment to obtaining a fair trial for Hughes.

Neal Adams

The Randolph Eastern School Corporation Superintendent, who announced that Hughes has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For his own selfish reasons, [Ater] had impeded the defendant's right to a fair trial, led the public to believe there are multiple alleged victims, and drawn attention to the defendant's request for a lawyer.”

— David M. Jordan, Attorney for Alicia Hughes (The Star Press)

“The recent release of the video interview of Ms. Hughes did not come from my office, and my office did not authorize, approve, or have anything to do with its release.”

— David Daly, Randolph County Prosecutor (The Star Press)

“Let me be clear. The police department did not seek, nor was it required to seek, approval from the prosecutor's office before releasing this brief excerpt.”

— Mark Ater, Union City Police Department Director of Public Safety (The Star Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to grant the defense's request for a gag order and for the police department to pay legal fees related to the release of the interrogation video.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding the release of sensitive interrogation footage and the potential impact on a defendant's right to a fair trial. It also underscores the need for strict protocols and oversight when it comes to the handling of such evidence by law enforcement.