Newport teacher Amber Swain arrested on incest, sexual-misconduct charges after alleged relationships with two adopted teenage sons
Amber Swain, 35, a teacher and director at Pend Oreille River School in Newport, Washington, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree incest and first-degree sexual misconduct after alleged sexual relationships with her two adopted teenage sons.
Key takeaways
- Arrest and charges: Swain was booked on first- and second-degree incest charges; reporting also references first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Investigation basis: DCYF reported concerns; detectives reviewed text messages and interviewed both teens and Swain.
- Court status: Prosecutors sought $50,000 bail; some reports indicate bail was later set at $20,000 with no-contact conditions.
- School response: Newport School District placed Swain on administrative leave and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Investigation and evidence
The probe began after the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) notified the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office on May 18 about possible sexual abuse. Detectives reviewed text messages provided during the inquiry and interviewed both adopted teenage sons and Amber N. Swain.
According to reporting, one teen told investigators he and Swain had sex “plenty of times,” including a few days before his interview. Swain initially denied sexual activity with that teen, then later said the relationship occurred in February and remarked, “I could have my timeline messed up,” when questioned about dates.
The second teen reported that while they were in bed together in May he touched Swain multiple times and that Swain stopped the contact before it escalated. Detectives cited interviews, text messages and Swain’s statements as the basis for the arrest.
Charges, booking and court details
The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office reported Swain was booked into the county jail on counts of first- and second-degree incest. Local reporting also references prosecutors discussing first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor; the case was presented to the Pend Oreille County Prosecuting Attorney for charging decisions.
Pend Oreille County Prosecuting Attorney Dolly Hunt asked a judge to set bail at $50,000, citing public-safety concerns. Swain’s public defender argued for release, citing no prior criminal history and offering possible residential conditions. Some outlets reported a judge later set bail at $20,000 and released Swain under conditions barring contact with minors. The matter remains pending in Pend Oreille County Superior Court.
School action and employment questions
The Newport School District placed Swain on administrative leave. The district issued a short statement: “While we cannot say much at this time, we can unequivocally and firmly state that we take these matters very seriously. We are working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation into this matter.”
Reporting does not confirm whether the adopted teens attended Pend Oreille River School, the alternative high school where Swain worked as a teacher and director. The arrest raises questions about background checks, oversight in alternative programs and staff assignments involving vulnerable youth.
What is not clear from public reporting
- It has not been reported whether the two adopted boys were students at Pend Oreille River School.
- Investigators are still developing the record; criminal charges have not been adjudicated.
- Details vary across outlets, including the exact bail amount and the full list of charges referenced by prosecutors.
Legal context
Incest and first-degree sexual misconduct are serious felonies under Washington law. Prosecutors may seek bail restrictions and no-contact orders to protect alleged victims. Swain is entitled to legal representation and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Implications and broader context
Public safety and child protection: The case underscores how child-welfare agencies and schools—here, DCYF and local law enforcement—can trigger criminal investigations when concerns arise.
School hiring and oversight: Small districts and alternative programs may face renewed scrutiny over background checks and supervisory safeguards for staff working with vulnerable students.
Adoption and guardian responsibilities: Allegations involving adopted children can prompt examination of post-adoption monitoring and support systems for older teens.
Criminal justice and bail debates: Differences between the prosecutor’s requested $50,000 bail and reports of a $20,000 setting feed wider debates about pretrial protections, public safety and defendants’ rights.
Reporting notes and sources
This article is based on local media reporting and law enforcement statements. Primary sources include KHQ, a YouTube (local news video report), and the Bonner County Daily Bee.
“Details remain subject to development as the Pend Oreille County Superior Court processes the case and investigators continue their work.”
Sources and public statements referenced: Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office; Newport School District; KHQ; local video reporting uploaded to YouTube; Bonner County Daily Bee.
