Waterbury technology education teacher and assistant band director Philip C. Hughes, 42, of Southbury, has been arrested and is facing a charge of harmful communication with a minor after authorities say he sent inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old student.
According to investigators, the situation came to light on Dec. 31, 2025, when the teen’s mother contacted police to report concerning messages her daughter had received from Hughes.
He had been hired by the Waterbury school district on March 24, 2025, court records show. Officials placed him on paid administrative leave the same day the complaint was reported.
The arrest warrant states that Hughes first contacted the student’s mother on Dec. 23, saying he wanted to check in on the teen before an upcoming surgery.
Authorities say their communication began through a band messaging application, but later shifted to personal text messages.
Police allege that during the early morning hours of Dec. 27, Hughes sent multiple messages to the student.
Court documents claim he repeatedly referred to her as “baby girl,” asked her to call him, and wrote statements such as, “Am I just a teacher to you, because you’re more than a student to me.”
Investigators further allege that Hughes sent screenshots of TikTok videos the student had previously deleted and told her he located them through a Google search.
The student reportedly told police she felt uncomfortable and frightened by the messages, prompting her to delete her texts and call logs.
A forensic review of the teen’s iPhone 15 allegedly confirmed message exchanges through iMessage and the Band app. Authorities say the pattern of communication suggested attempts to persuade and entice the minor.
Hughes was arrested by the Western District Major Crime Squad and charged under Connecticut General Statutes 53a-196j.
He was released after posting a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Waterbury Superior Court GA 4 on March 3, 2026.
School officials have stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.
The arrest has drawn strong reactions across Waterbury and online platforms.
Many parents expressed anger and disappointment, saying teachers hold positions of trust and authority. Several called for stricter oversight and clearer communication policies between educators and students.
Others focused their support on the student and her family, urging compassion and privacy as the case proceeds. Some residents questioned how communication moved from a school-based app to personal messaging and asked whether stronger safeguards could prevent similar situations in the future.
As the case moves through the legal system, community members continue to watch closely, emphasizing the importance of accountability and student safety within local schools.
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