Amber Swain, a 35-year-old teacher from Newport, Washington, has pleaded not guilty to charges of incest and sexual misconduct with a minor after being accused of having sex with two of her adopted teenage sons.
Arrest and Investigation
Swain was arrested on June 2 by the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office after her estranged husband allegedly discovered sexually explicit text messages between her and one of her adopted sons and handed them to police. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families had earlier contacted the sheriff’s office on May 18 with concerns of possible sexual abuse.
Detectives conducted separate recorded forensic interviews with two of Swain’s adopted teenage sons. The older boy, now 18, told investigators that he and Swain had sex “plenty of times,” starting around Christmas when he was still 17, and continuing frequently, including shortly before his interview. The younger boy, 16, said he touched Swain several times in bed, but the incidents lasted only a few minutes before she stopped.
Swain's Denials and Admissions
During questioning, Swain initially denied any physical relationship but later admitted sleeping with the older son, claiming it began in February after his 18th birthday. When detectives challenged that timeline, she said she “could have her timeline messed up.” Regarding the younger boy, she claimed he touched her leg while she was asleep and that she “leaned in” half-asleep before pushing him away.
Background and Consequences
Swain, a prominent foster care advocate, had fostered multiple children with her husband and adopted three boys in November 2019. Following her arrest, the Newport School District removed her from her role as a teacher and director at Pend Oreille River School. She remains on administrative leave and is barred from contacting school staff or students.
A judge set her bail at $20,000 (£15,000) and imposed strict no-contact orders preventing her from speaking to the alleged victims or any minors under 18. Prosecutors sought these restrictions after claiming Swain attempted to contact the teenagers from jail.
Legal Proceedings
Under Washington state law, first-degree incest is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison per count. If convicted on all counts, Swain could face a maximum sentence of roughly 20 years and a $50,000 (£38,000) fine. Her trial is scheduled to begin at Pend Oreille County Superior Court on October 6.
