Police in Indiana say a school secretary was detained after her husband allegedly discovered her in bed with an 18-year-old student.
According to the Union City Police Department, officers were first alerted to what was described as a possible domestic battery. In a statement shared on Facebook, the department explained: “Law enforcement was initially notified of an alleged battery that occurred overnight.”
As investigators looked deeper into the complaint, they uncovered further details. “During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Hughes’ husband had discovered her with an 18-year-old student of Randolph Eastern School Corporation and confronted the individuals.” Authorities added: “It is alleged that Hughes was battered during that altercation. The alleged battery is being investigated by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.”
It remains unclear whether her husband will face charges in connection with the reported confrontation.
While examining the case, police said they identified additional allegations involving a second student. Investigators stated that Hughes “had also engaged in a sexual relationship with a separate high school student who was 17 years old at the time”.
During questioning about her involvement with the 18-year-old, the 31-year-old admitted to having sexual relations with him on three occasions. She insisted it was “not before he was 18”.
Footage of her police interview, obtained by Law&Crime, captures her acknowledging that “the physical thing had been going on since the end of January.” She then added: “This is the third time that I’ve been with him…not before he was 18.”
Speaking about her actions, Hughes told investigators she had no justification. “As stupid as that sounds,” she said. “And that’s where I’m at. And now I’m here.” She indicated she had been seeking attention amid marital difficulties.
When pressed about whether she had been involved with any other students, she repeatedly denied it. However, court affidavits cited by Law&Crime indicate that a 17-year-old claimed they had sex five times, including an encounter at a Dollar General store.
“I have met him, but I never slept with him,” Hughes is heard saying in the recording. “I hung out with him…not for very long.”
She acknowledged sending the teen “pictures,” but continued to deny sexual contact. As questioning intensified about how the relationship began, she stated, “I think I’ll need my lawyer at this point.”
Hughes was subsequently arrested during the interview. She is facing five counts of child seduction tied to the allegations involving the 17-year-old. Each count carries a possible penalty of up to six years behind bars and a fine of $10,000.
Following her arrest, she was booked into the Randolph County Jail with bond set at $25,000 cash.
The New York Post reported that her initial court appearance, originally scheduled for February 20, was canceled. A judge later determined there was probable cause to proceed, setting a new hearing for April 15, a pre-trial conference for April 16, and a jury trial slated for June 15.
Randolph Eastern School Corporation superintendent Neal Adams confirmed that the secretary has “been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process.”
Authorities also praised the school district for its prompt cooperation and transparency as the investigation remains ongoing.
