The Justice Department says former St. Mary Parish teacher Katherine Albarado was indicted Dec. 17, 2025, on a federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor. Prosecutors allege she began sending sexually explicit emails and a video to a 16-year-old student in May 2022 to persuade the teen to engage in sexual activity. Albarado was arrested in June 2025 after police alerted the school district; she was placed on leave and resigned. If convicted, she faces a possible sentence of up to life in prison.
Former Louisiana Teacher Indicted After Allegedly Sending Sexually Explicit Messages To 16-Year-Old Student
Former Louisiana high school teacher indicted for allegedly trying to entice student into sex
A former high school teacher in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Katherine Albarado, has been federally indicted on a charge of attempted enticement of a minor, federal prosecutors said. The indictment was filed Dec. 17, 2025, and the Justice Department later made the charge public.
A former Louisiana high school teacher has been federally indicted for allegedly trying to entice a student into having sex.(Getty Images)
Allegations and Timeline
According to the Department of Justice, Albarado began using her personal email in May 2022 to send sexually explicit messages to a 16-year-old student she taught. Over roughly a month, prosecutors say she attempted to persuade the teenager to engage in sexual activity, described the acts she allegedly wanted, and sent a video of herself undressing in an effort to entice the student. Authorities said the student has since graduated.
The Department of Justice seal is seen on a lectern ahead of a press conference.
Investigation, Arrest and School Response
The Morgan City Police Department became aware of the messages and notified St. Mary Parish Public Schools, which placed Albarado on administrative leave. She resigned from her position a few days later and was arrested in June 2025.
An elementary school classroom.
"Protecting Louisiana’s children from abuse by people in positions of trust lies at the heart of our mission to make our Louisiana communities safe," U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller said, noting the office will continue working with federal, state and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate that trust.
At the time of the incident, Superintendent Buffy Fegenbush emphasized that the well-being and safety of students is the district’s top priority and said the district does not condone such conduct.
Potential Penalties
If convicted on the federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor, Albarado faces a potential sentence that could include life in prison, according to prosecutors. Fox News Digital contacted the school district for comment.
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