A former high school educator from Louisiana has been formally charged with attempting to lure a student into a sexual relationship, according to federal authorities.

Katherine Albarado, who was employed at a school in St. Mary Parish, faces charges of attempted enticement of a minor. Although the indictment was issued on December 17, 2025, the Department of Justice only made the information public last week.

“Our primary focus is safeguarding Louisiana’s youth from any form of exploitation by those they trust,” stated U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller. “Educators are entrusted with one of society’s most crucial roles, and our office remains committed to collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to investigate and bring to justice those who breach this trust.”

Albarado is accused of using her personal email account in May 2022 to send sexually explicit communications to a 16-year-old student she was teaching, as reported by federal prosecutors.

Throughout that month, she allegedly tried to coax the teenager into a sexual encounter, according to authorities.

Over the course of a month, she tried persuading the teen to engage in sexual activity, authorities said. 

She also described the type of sexual activity she wanted to engage in and sent a video of herself undressing in an attempt to entice the teen, the justice Department said. 

The student has since graduated.

The Department of Justice seal is seen on a lectern ahead of a press conference. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Albarado was arrested in June 2025. 

The Morgan City Police Department became aware of what happened and alerted St. Mary Parish Public Schools, which placed Albarado on administrative leave. She resigned days later. 

At the time, district Superintendent Buffy Fegenbush said the well-being and safety of students “is our top priority.”

“This type of behavior does not reflect the values or policies of St. Mary Parish Public Schools, and we do not condone such conduct in any way,” she said in a statement. 

An elementary school classroom.  (iStock)

Albarado faces up to life in prison. Fox News Digital has reached out to the school district.