A shadow has fallen over a Louisiana community, revealing a betrayal of trust that strikes at the heart of its schools. Katherine Albarado, a former high school teacher, now faces a federal indictment, accused of a deeply disturbing crime against a student.
The charges center around a series of events that unfolded in May of 2022. Prosecutors allege Albarado, while employed by St. Mary Parish schools, initiated contact with a 16-year-old student through her personal email, a communication that quickly spiraled into something sinister.
What began as correspondence allegedly transformed into a month-long attempt to persuade the student into sexual activity. The details, as presented by the Justice Department, paint a harrowing picture of a calculated effort to exploit a power imbalance.
The alleged manipulation escalated with explicit messages and a disturbing video sent by Albarado, a deliberate act intended to entice the teen. This breach of trust represents a profound violation of the sacred responsibility entrusted to educators.
The student, now graduated, brought the disturbing communications to light, triggering an investigation that ultimately led to Albarado’s arrest in June of 2025. The Morgan City Police Department acted swiftly, immediately notifying school officials.
Upon learning of the allegations, St. Mary Parish Public Schools placed Albarado on administrative leave. Days later, she resigned from her position, a move that did little to quell the outrage and concern within the community.
School Superintendent Buffy Fegenbush emphasized that the district’s priority remains the safety and well-being of its students, stating that such behavior is entirely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the values of the school system.
Now, Albarado faces the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young people and the critical importance of safeguarding them from those in positions of authority.
Federal prosecutors have made it clear: protecting children from abuse, particularly by those entrusted with their education, is paramount. This case underscores a commitment to holding accountable anyone who violates that trust.
