Alicia Hughes, a married 31-year-old secretary at Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Indiana, was arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct with two high school students, police said. The Union City Police Department reported that Hughes’ husband discovered her with an 18-year-old student on February 14, leading authorities to investigate further.

During the investigation, officers said they uncovered evidence that Hughes also had a sexual relationship with a separate student who was 17 at the time. Police allege the pair engaged in sexual intercourse on at least five occasions. Hughes faces five counts of child seduction and is being held at the Randolph County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond.

Under Indiana law, child seduction applies when an individual uses their professional relationship with a minor to engage in sexual conduct. School employees fall under this category, including secretaries and other staff with access to students.

Randolph Eastern School Corporation Superintendent Neal Adams confirmed that Hughes has been removed from all duties involving students pending the legal outcome. Adams did not clarify whether Hughes had been terminated, but stressed the district is taking the allegations “with the utmost seriousness, care, and urgency.”

Tom Blessing, an attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases, noted that abuse by school staff is not limited to teachers and coaches. Custodial staff, counselors, office personnel, and administrators can also exploit positions of authority. Blessing added that reviewing the school’s screening policies and oversight procedures will be critical to determine how warning signs may have been missed.