Newport teacher arrested in alleged sexual relationships with adopted teens; director of Pend Oreille River School faces incest, misconduct charges
Newport, Washington — Amber N. Swain, 35, a teacher and director at Pend Oreille River School, has been charged with first- and second-degree incest and first-degree sexual misconduct after alleged sexual relationships with two adopted teenage males.
Key takeaways
- Charges: Swain faces first- and second-degree incest and first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor; prosecutors added the sexual‑misconduct count as proceedings advanced.
- Victims & investigation: Alleged conduct involved two adopted teenage males; the Department of Children, Youth, and Families alerted Pend Oreille County deputies after text messages prompted forensic interviews.
- Court status: Arrested and booked in Pend Oreille County Jail, bail set at $20,000 under no-contact conditions; case bound over to Pend Oreille County Superior Court for arraignment and pretrial proceedings.
- Reporting sources: Local coverage and public records cited from KHQ, KREM (video), and the Bonner County Daily Bee.
Details of the case
Who is the suspect and her role at the school
Amber N. Swain worked as a teacher and program director at Pend Oreille River School, the Newport School District’s alternative high school that serves students needing nontraditional settings. After the arrest the district placed Swain on administrative leave and said it is cooperating with law enforcement. The district statement said it “takes these matters very seriously” while investigators continue their work. Sources: KHQ.
How the investigation began
State child-welfare officials with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families contacted the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office on May 18 regarding possible sexual abuse involving two teen males. Deputies were shown text messages between Swain and one of the teens, which prompted separate forensic interviews of both boys. Detectives interviewed Swain on June 2 and say they developed probable cause for arrest. Reporting: KHQ; Bonner County Daily Bee.
Alleged conduct described in reports
According to court summaries and investigative reports, one teen told investigators he and Swain began a sexual relationship in December and that the activity occurred “plenty of times,” including as recently as two days before his interview. A second teen reported being in bed with Swain in May and said he touched her several times before she stopped the contact.
Swain initially denied sexual contact during her interview but later acknowledged a sexual relationship with one of the boys, telling investigators she believed the relationship began in February — after that boy turned 18 — and adding,
“I could have my timeline messed up.”
Source: KREM (video report).
Why prosecutors charged incest
Because both teens are adopted children of Swain, prosecutors filed incest charges. Under Washington law, sexual conduct between a parent and an adopted child is treated the same as between a parent and a biological child, meaning consent by an adopted adult child does not legally permit sexual relations with a parent. Prosecutors also added first‑degree sexual misconduct with a minor as the matter moved through court. If convicted, Swain faces significant prison terms and fines under state sentencing rules. Sources: KHQ; KREM.
Arrest, bail and court action
Swain was booked into Pend Oreille County Jail. The prosecuting attorney requested $50,000 bail citing public-safety concerns; her public defender argued for release without bail, noting no prior criminal record. The judge set bail at $20,000 and imposed strict no-contact conditions with anyone under 18 and specifically barred contact with the two alleged victims after prosecutors alleged Swain attempted to contact a teen from jail. The case has been bound over to Pend Oreille County Superior Court, with arraignment and pretrial motions expected next. Sources: KREM; KHQ.
School and community response
District officials say they notified law enforcement and are cooperating with the investigation. Local reporting notes the case has drawn attention because Swain held a trusted role working with students who may be especially vulnerable. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the teens were current students at Pend Oreille River School; the sheriff’s office declined to specify whether the victims had any connection to the school beyond being adopted children. Sources: KHQ; Bonner County Daily Bee.
Legal context: age, consent and parent-child rules
Washington law criminalizes sexual conduct between a parent (or parent-figure) and an adopted child, even when the adopted person is 18 or older. Prosecutors identify that legal principle as central to the incest and sexual-misconduct charges in this matter. See related reporting: KREM.
Reporting sources and documents
This account is based on law-enforcement statements, court summaries and reporting from local outlets. Primary local reports include KHQ, the KREM video report, and the Bonner County Daily Bee. Readers are advised these are alleged facts subject to court resolution.
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Economic impact: Direct economic fallout in Alamogordo is limited because this is a Washington criminal case. However, local schools and social services may see requests for increased background checks and training, potentially requiring small budget reallocations for student‑safety programs.
Political consequences: The case may prompt calls for stronger accountability in schools and child‑welfare oversight among conservative parents and leaders, including demands for clearer hiring checks and supervision of staff.
Social and cultural effects: Allegations against a trusted adult can heighten local concern about child safety. In conservative communities like Alamogordo, discussions may focus on family values, institutional responsibility, and restoring trust through stronger safeguards.
Practical actions for local residents and leaders
- Review and, if needed, strengthen school policies on staff vetting, reporting misconduct and no-contact rules.
- Ensure background checks are current and that boundary/reporting training is active for staff and volunteers.
- Remind families how to report suspected abuse: in New Mexico, contact the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department or local law enforcement in emergencies.
How readers can follow the case
Track Pend Oreille County Superior Court filings and local Washington reporting for updates. Primary sources to follow include KHQ, KREM, and the Bonner County Daily Bee. For district-specific information, contact local school officials directly.
Note: All facts reported here reflect allegations and public records cited; matters are subject to judicial process and may change as proceedings continue.
