Alabama Teacher Indicted for Alleged Sexual Relationship with Student

Wedowee, Alabama – A 32-year-old teacher and former cheer coach, Makaela Caldwell Hodgins, has been indicted by an Alabama grand jury for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a male student who is under 19 years old. The indictment was announced on October 7, 2025, and it has shocked the small community of Randolph County.

Hodgins was arrested following the allegations and has since been ordered held on a $30,000 bond. She pleaded not guilty to the charges, although details of her next court appearance remain unclear. The identity and exact age of the alleged victim have not been disclosed in documents released by the authorities.

Hodgins started her career as a cheer coach at Randolph County High School in 2022 and has a long history of involvement in cheerleading, growing up in the area and serving as a cheerleader herself. According to a school post, she was a six-year cheerleader at Woodland High School and graduated with a master’s degree in education from the University of West Alabama in May 2022.

“Mrs. Hodgins grew up here in Randolph County and was a cheerleader for six years at Woodland,” the school’s introduction post noted, highlighting her community connection. She is described as being married to her college sweetheart and a mother of two.

Randolph County Schools Superintendent John Jacobs confirmed the district’s cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. “We will cooperate with local authorities as requested,” Jacobs stated.

The indictment comes nearly a year after Hodgins left her teaching role, which adds to the community’s confusion and disbelief. Many residents considered her a local role model who returned to give back to her community.

Following the announcement of the indictment, concerns have arisen regarding the implications for student trust and the credibility of educators. Experts have noted a troubling trend in recent years, with an increase in reports of female teachers accused of similar misconduct.

As more details unfold, the community of Randolph County is left grappling with the shock of the allegations against someone they once admired.