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Sophia Aldous
By Sophia Aldous
Of The Miner
NEWPORT – A Pend Oreille River School teacher made her first appearance in Pend Oreille County District Court Wednesday, June 3, on charges of incest 1st and 2nd degree and 2nd degree sexual misconduct with two teenage males. Amber Swain, 35, is the director and teacher at Pend Oreille River School, Newport School District’s alternative high school.
Incest 2nd degree and sexual misconduct with a minor 2nd degree both carry a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison and $10,000 fines. Incest 1st degree has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Pend Oreille County Prosecuting Attorney Dolly Hunt asked District Court Judge Robin McCroskey that bail for Swain be set at $50,000. According to Hunt, there was evidence that Swain had tried to contact one of the victims from Pend Oreille County Jail sometime after she was arrested by Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s deputies on June 2 and before Wednesday’s hearing.
McCroskey set bail at $20,000 since Swain does not have any prior criminal history. McCroskey also ordered Swain not to have any contact with minors and if she did make bail she must maintain weekly contact with her attorney, have zero law violations and not leave the state of Washington.
Swain’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m.
The Department of Children and Youth Families contacted the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office May 18, regarding allegations that Swain had sexual contact with two teenaged males. Forensic interviews were conducted with the victims, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
Detectives were able to interview Swain Tuesday, June 2, and based on the investigation, determined there was probable cause to believe the incidents occurred. Swain was arrested and taken to the Pend Oreille County jail. The Newport School District was contacted and is cooperating with the investigation, the press release stated.
Newport School District Superintendent Dave Smith sent an email to students’ parents and guardians Wednesday morning addressing the investigation.
“Mrs. Swain was immediately placed on administrative leave and will not have contact with staff or students during this investigation, which is fully in the hands of the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office,” Smith wrote. “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. I know that many of you will have questions—and justifiably so. However, as this is in the hands of the criminal justice system, it would be inappropriate to discuss it further at this time. We will provide additional updates when it is appropriate to do so.
“During this time, as a district, we will continue to support our students, families, and one another,” Smith wrote. “If you have a student that has been affected by this news, we ask that you reach out to your son or daughter’s school so they can speak to an adult.”
To report child abuse and neglect, contact the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) by calling 1-866-363-4276 (1-866-END-HARM). This toll-free, 24/7 hotline connects callers directly to local Child Protective Services (CPS) intake. If the child is in immediate danger, dial 911 first.
Family Crisis Network in Newport helps those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crime. The Victim Services Office can be reached at 509-447-2274. The Victim Services After Hours Helpline is 509-447-5483. Call any time. If in immediate danger, dial 911.
Sophia Mattice-Aldous is a Murrow News fellow working directly with newsrooms at The Newport Miner and RANGE Media through a program administered by Washington State University. Her reporting is available for use via Creative Commons with credit.
