Former Teacher Charged with Sexual Misconduct in Alabama
An ex-teacher and cheerleading coach from Alabama is facing charges for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a student, according to local reports.
Details from court documents indicate that 32-year-old Makaela Caldwell Hodgins, from Woodland, was arrested after being set with bail at $30,000. As noted by 1819 News, Hodgins pleaded not guilty during her initial court appearance.
Mike Segrest, the district attorney for Alabama’s 5th Circuit, mentioned that Hodgins was indicted by a grand jury on September 12. She reportedly surrendered to authorities on September 15. Her next court date is scheduled for October 28 in Randolph County. It seems she has managed to post bail, as she isn’t currently listed in the Randolph County Jail.
The charges revolve around the alleged sexual abuse of a male student under 19, though the specifics regarding the victim’s age were not disclosed. Segrest noted that had the student been under 16, additional charges may have been considered.
Alabama law mandates that school employees cannot engage in sexual activities with students younger than 19, which is classified as a class B felony. The punishment includes a prison sentence ranging from two to a maximum of 20 years.
Hodgins was previously employed at Randolph County High School in Wedowee but is no longer a part of the school system, according to officials. Superintendent John Jacobs shared that Hodgins began her work with the school on August 2, 2021, and last taught in the classroom on November 15, 2024. He emphasized the school’s cooperation with ongoing investigations.
In March 2022, Hodgins was promoted as cheerleading coach, and her background includes active participation in cheerleading since childhood. She was noted as a cheerleader at Woodland College and later as an UWA student with a cheer scholarship.
Interestingly, while Hodgins is facing serious allegations, Segrest clarified that her removal from the school was not linked to these charges.
