In a recent development from Indiana, Alicia Hughes, a 31-year-old school secretary at Randolph Eastern School Corporation, has been taken into custody facing serious allegations. The arrest followed an incident on Valentine's Day when Hughes' husband reportedly discovered her in bed with an 18-year-old student. This event led to her calling the police, alleging an attack by her husband upon his discovery. The status of any charges against him is currently unknown.
"The physical thing ... has been going on since the end of January." - Alicia Hughes, during police interrogation.
The interrogation video, which was released to the public, captures an emotional Hughes as she recounts her involvement with the teenager, claiming that their physical relationship began in late January and insisting that it did not commence before the student turned 18. Despite the distressing nature of the situation, Hughes remained adamant during the questioning that the third encounter, the one her husband witnessed, was not part of an ongoing affair.
Adding to the complexity of the case, a 17-year-old male student has come forward with accusations of having engaged in sexual activities with Hughes on multiple occasions, starting in a car outside a Dollar General store. Hughes initially denied these allegations but later admitted to meeting the younger student and sending photographs, while continuing to deny any further intimacy.
The questioning ended abruptly after Hughes requested legal representation, and the video concluded with her being handcuffed and taken into custody. She now faces five counts of child seduction, with each count carrying the potential for six years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, totaling a possible 30 years in prison and $50,000 in fines if convicted on all charges.
During the interrogation, Hughes referenced enduring physical and mental abuse from her husband, which she suggested as context to her actions, though she did not justify them. Following her arrest, Hughes was booked into the Randolph County Jail with a $25,000 bond. The school corporation has since suspended her from all student-related duties pending the outcome of the legal process. Superintendent Neal Adams has assured that Hughes "has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process."
This case has captured public attention, raising questions about the responsibilities of school staff and the protection of students. Social media has also played a role in disseminating news of the arrest, with posts circulating on platforms such as Twitter, where the case has been discussed extensively.
