By The Waterbury Times|Published Feb 18, 2026

Waterbury- A Waterbury school district employee has been charged following an investigation into alleged inappropriate communication with a 16-year-old student, according to information presented in Waterbury Superior Court GA 4 on February 17, 2026.

Authorities report the investigation began on December 31, 2025, after a parent contacted police regarding messages sent to her daughter by a teacher employed by the district.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Philip C. Hughes of Southbury, is described in court materials as an assistant band director and technology education teacher.

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Allegations Detailed in Court Materials

According to information presented in court:

• The communication allegedly began under the pretense of checking on the student’s upcoming surgery
• Contact reportedly moved from the “Band App” platform to personal cell phone messaging
• Messages were allegedly sent during early morning hours, including between approximately 2:50 a.m. and 7:24 a.m. on December 27

Investigators report that messages allegedly included repeated use of the phrase “baby girl,” requests for images, and language described as virtual physical gestures, including statements such as “I tuck you in” and “I kiss your forehead.”

Court materials also indicate that call logs showed multiple early-morning phone calls to the student.

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Digital Evidence and Investigation

According to the report:

• The student stated she felt uncomfortable and deleted the messages
• A forensic extraction of the student’s iPhone 15 reportedly confirmed message history and call logs
• Investigators noted that iCloud backup was not enabled, which was consistent with the deletion of outgoing messages
• Authorities also allege the suspect sent screenshots of the student’s deleted TikTok content after claiming to have searched for it online

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Charges and Court Proceedings

Hughes has been charged with harmful communication with a minor under Connecticut General Statutes.

Bond was set at $50,000, and a court appearance is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

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Ongoing Case

The case remains pending, and all allegations are subject to court proceedings.

Waterbury CT Local News

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Source: Courtesy of CTPolice Live and court records.