A 44-year-old teacher at STEM School Highlands Ranch was arrested Thursday on suspicion of kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Tera Johnson-Swartz taught high school students at the charter school from 2022 until Feb. 14, the school’s Chief Innovation Officer Matt Cartier said in a statement.
Before her employment ended, school officials put her on paid administrative leave after the sheriff’s office told them about the investigation on Jan. 21 and she did not have access to students, the campus or any electronic records during that time period.
STEM School officials said they’re cooperating with law enforcement but declined to comment further because of the ongoing investigation. They would not confirm whether Johnson-Swartz resigned or was fired.
Anyone with information about the case can contact Detective Randy Allen at rallen@dcsheriff.net.
Johnson-Swartz is in custody at the Douglas County Detention Center on a $50,000 bail and is set to appear in court Wednesday for a filing of charges hearing.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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