LAFAYETTE, La. — A former Morgan City High School teacher has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted possession of child pornography.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana announced that 32-year-old Katherine Albarado of Morgan City was sentenced Wednesday, September 9, by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays.
According to federal court documents, Albarado was employed as a teacher at Morgan City High School in May 2022 when she used a personal email account to communicate with a 16-year-old student.
Federal prosecutors said the messages were intended to entice the student into illegal sexual contact and included graphic communications. Authorities said Albarado also requested that the juvenile send sexually explicit images of himself to her.
Albarado later pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller said his office will continue working with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving the exploitation of children. He also encouraged parents to remain aware of their children’s online and digital communications.
The case was investigated by the Morgan City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel prosecuted the case with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.
