Newport teacher arrested in Pend Oreille County incest case; charged over sexual relationships with two adopted teens
Newport, Washington – Amber N. Swain, 35, a teacher at Pend Oreille River School, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree incest and first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor over alleged sexual contact with her two adopted teenage sons.
- Arrest and charges: Amber N. Swain faces three felony counts — first-degree incest, second-degree incest, and first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Alleged victims: Two male teenagers identified in court documents as Swain’s adopted sons, reportedly 17 and 18 when alleged contact began.
- Investigation: The Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) referred the matter on May 18; investigators say text messages and interviews produced probable cause.
- Bail and conditions: Swain was booked, then released on $20,000 bail with no-contact orders restricting contact with anyone under 18 and the two alleged victims.
Key information
- Who: Amber N. Swain, 35, a teacher and director at Pend Oreille River School, the Newport School District’s alternative high school. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
- What: Arrested and charged with first- and second-degree incest and first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor for alleged sexual contact with two adopted teenage boys. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
- When: Investigation began after a May 18 referral to the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office by DCYF. Swain was interviewed on June 2 and later booked into the Pend Oreille County Jail. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
- Victims: Two male teenagers identified in court documents and reporting as Swain’s adopted children; they were reportedly 17 and 18 when the alleged abuse began. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Investigation and arrest
The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office says it opened a criminal investigation after DCYF contacted the agency on May 18 with concerns of possible sexual abuse involving two teenage males. Investigators were shown text messages between Swain and one of the teens, according to local reporting. Those materials prompted interviews of both teens and Swain, and detectives say they found probable cause to arrest Swain. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Swain was booked into the Pend Oreille County Jail and later released on $20,000 bail under conditions that include no contact with anyone under 18 and a no-contact order protecting the two alleged victims. The case was moved to Pend Oreille County Superior Court and an arraignment was set in early June. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Allegations from the teens
Court documents and local TV reports describe two different accounts from the teens.
- First teen’s account: One teen told investigators that he and Swain began a sexual relationship in December, before he turned 18, and that they had sex “plenty of times,” including as recently as a few days before his interview with police. That account alleges intercourse while he was still a minor and continuing after he reached adulthood. (Source: KHQ; local coverage)
- Second teen’s account: The second teen said that in May he and Swain were in bed and that he touched her several times before Swain stopped the situation. Swain told investigators that the younger teen had put his hands on her and she pushed him away, according to court documents. Investigators treated both interviews as part of the same sexual‑abuse probe. (Source: local TV)
Swain’s statements and charges
Detectives interviewed Swain on June 2. Prosecutors say Swain initially denied a sexual relationship with the first teen but later admitted she had a relationship she placed in February — after the teen turned 18 — and told investigators she might have her “timeline messed up.” Investigators say evidence indicated encounters occurred before the teen reached 18, supporting criminal charges. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Swain faces three charges: first-degree incest, second-degree incest, and first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. Washington’s incest laws include adoptive parent-child relationships, which is why the allegations involving adopted sons are charged as incest in this case. Local reporting notes that if convicted on all counts, Swain could face near 20 years in prison and fines up to $50,000. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Court proceedings, bail and legal arguments
Pend Oreille County Prosecuting Attorney Dolly Hunt argued for a $50,000 bail, citing public safety concerns after reports that Swain may have tried to contact one of the teens from jail. Swain’s public defender, Brett Billingsley, asked for her release, noting she has no prior criminal record and arguing that public safety risks could be managed by living separately from the teens. The judge set bail at $20,000 and imposed no-contact conditions. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Presumption of innocence: The case remains in the pretrial phase. Prosecutors may update charges or present additional evidence in future hearings. Swain is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
School district and community response
The Newport School District confirmed Swain’s role at Pend Oreille River School and said she was placed on administrative leave after the district learned of her arrest. In a statement reported by The Spokesman‑Review, the district said: 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.
The sheriff’s office said the school is cooperating with investigators. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
No official reports say the alleged victims were students at the school. Early law enforcement statements withheld details about the teens’ ties to the district; later court documents identified them as adopted children of Swain. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
What remains unknown
- Full contents of the text messages and forensic interviews are not public.
- Prosecutors may add or change charges as more evidence is reviewed.
- It is unclear whether plea talks will occur or if the case will go to trial.
All allegations remain unproven; Swain is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. (Source: KHQ; local TV)
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Though this case unfolded in rural Pend Oreille County, it raises concerns that matter to Las Vegas and similar urban communities:
- School safety and hiring checks: Districts nationwide, including those in Las Vegas, may review hiring practices, background checks and reporting procedures for alternative and small-school programs. (Relevance: Newport teacher sex abuse; Amber N. Swain arrest)
- Child welfare referrals and interagency work: The case began with a DCYF referral. Las Vegas-area social services and school officials can note the role state child welfare agencies play in flagging possible abuse and the importance of timely communication with police and prosecutors.
- Legal and community responses: Prosecutors sought significant bail citing public safety; defense argued residence restrictions and lack of criminal history. Urban courts must balance protecting the public and protecting defendants’ rights.
- Support for victims: Urban centers must ensure services for teen victims, including forensic interviews, counseling and privacy protections; agencies may review capacity and protocols.
- Public trust in schools: Incidents involving teachers can erode trust. Clear communication and rapid cooperation with law enforcement are essential to maintain community confidence.
Reporting note
This article is based on Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office releases and reporting by local outlets including KHQ News, Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, and local TV summaries. Key sources: KHQ; local TV
