LAFAYETTE — A federal grand jury in Lafayette has returned an indictment charging Katherine Albarado with attempted enticement of a minor, according to an announcement made December 17, 2025.
If convicted, Albarado faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana emphasized the seriousness of the charge, stating that protecting children from abuse—particularly by individuals in positions of trust—remains a core mission of his office. Keller noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children hold a profound responsibility, and violations of that trust will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Court records indicate that in May 2022, Albarado was employed as a high school teacher in St. Mary Parish when she allegedly began using her personal email account to send sexually explicit messages to a 16-year-old student she taught. Over the course of approximately one month, Albarado is accused of repeatedly attempting to persuade the minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to prosecutors, the communications included explicit descriptions of sexual acts and a video allegedly sent by Albarado in which she undressed, all in an effort to entice the minor.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Morgan City Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel, with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.
