Union City, IN - An Indiana school secretary is facing multiple charges after police say she engaged in sexual relationships with two high school students, one of whom was 17.
Union City Police arrested Alicia Hughes, 31, following an investigation that began when her husband allegedly caught her with an 18-year-old student on Friday night. Officers say the confrontation led to a physical altercation during which Hughes was reportedly battered. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department is handling that part of the case separately.
Police Uncover Relationship with 17-Year-Old Student
As investigators looked deeper into the incident, authorities determined that Hughes had also been involved in a sexual relationship with another student, who was 17 at the time. Police allege Hughes and the minor engaged in sexual intercourse at least five times.
While Indiana’s age of consent is 16, officials emphasize that sexual conduct between adults and students under their authority is a criminal offense. Based on those findings, Hughes was charged with five counts of child seduction connected to the relationship with the 17-year-old.
School District Responds
Hughes, an employee of the Randolph Eastern School Corporation, has been removed from all duties involving students. Superintendent Neal Adams confirmed the district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and issued a statement stressing that the allegations are being taken “extremely seriously.”
Adams said the district’s focus remains on supporting students and maintaining a safe learning environment. “We recognize that situations of this nature are deeply concerning for our families, staff, and the broader community. Please know that we share those concerns and are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, care and urgency,” he said.
Hughes Held on $25,000 Cash Bond
Hughes was booked into the Randolph County Jail, where she is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. Police say the investigation remains active and urge anyone with additional information to contact the Union City Police Department.
What Can Families Do? Indiana Sexual Abuse Lawyer Explains Legal Options After School Secretary Abuse Allegations
When a trusted school employee is accused of sexually abusing a student, families are often left overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of where to turn for help. Indiana sexual abuse lawyer Jeff Gibson shares the legal options available to families, from reporting misconduct and protecting a child’s well-being to pursuing civil claims that can hold both the abuser and the school district accountable.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a family learns their child was allegedly abused by a school secretary or other staff member, what is the first legal step they should consider?
Jeff Gibson, Esq.: The first step is to make sure the incident is reported—to law enforcement and to the school district’s administration—so there is an official record and an immediate safety response for other students. From there, families should speak with a civil attorney who handles sexual abuse cases in Indiana so they can understand their rights, including the possibility of a civil lawsuit against both the individual offender and any institution that may have failed to protect the student.
Banville: Many parents worry about their child having to relive the trauma. How do you approach that concern in these cases?
Gibson: We work carefully with families to protect the child as much as possible, using trauma‑informed practices and coordinating with therapists when appropriate. Our goal is to handle the legal legwork—investigating, gathering records, dealing with the school and insurers—so the child can focus on healing, while still preserving evidence and meeting Indiana’s deadlines to file a claim.
Banville: Are families limited to just the criminal case, or are there other avenues to hold a school accountable?
Gibson: The criminal case is handled by the prosecutor and focuses on punishment, but families often have a separate civil claim for damages. That can include claims against the school district if there were warning signs, prior complaints, or gaps in supervision or hiring that allowed the abuse to happen. Through a civil case, families can seek compensation for therapy, educational support, and the long-term impact of the abuse, and they can push for policy changes that improve student safety.
Banville: If a family suspects there may be other victims, what do you recommend?
Gibson: They should share those concerns with law enforcement and their attorney right away. A law firm experienced in school‑related abuse cases can help identify patterns, speak confidentially with other families, and, when appropriate, coordinate multiple claims so survivors are not isolated and the full scope of misconduct is presented. Families do not have to navigate that process alone; there are legal teams ready to stand with them and help them move forward.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Legal Options
Families affected by sexual abuse in a school setting do not have to navigate this alone. If you or your child were harmed by a school secretary or another school employee, our legal team can review what happened, explain your options, and outline potential next steps—all in a confidential setting. Contact us today for a free consultation so you can get answers, protect your rights, and begin moving forward with the support of experienced attorneys by your side.
