A former teacher at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado, Tera Johnson-Swartz, is facing charges of kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, following her arrest on Thursday, authorities confirmed. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has reported that Johnson-Swartz, 44, has been detained at the Douglas County Detention Facility as the investigation proceeds, they have not divulged further details concerning the case except to solicit additional information from the public, according to CBS News Colorado.
The former educator's arrest came to light after the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit took her into custody, with early reports providing scarce specifics about the allegations, and stating that Johnson-Swartz had been arrested for kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor which she worked at STEM School Highlands Ranch from 2022 to Feb 14, 2025, and the school is notable for providing education to students from kindergarten through the 12th grade as a public charter school, as stated by KDVR.
In response to the arrest, STEM School Highlands Ranch’s chief innovation officer, Matt Cartiet issued a statement ensuring full cooperation with law enforcement, "A former high-school teacher was arrested last night and we are fully cooperating with authorities," Cartiet said, as obtained by 9NEWS. He further explained the school's immediate action to place Johnson-Swartz on paid administrative leave back in January when they were notified by the sheriff's office of an ongoing investigation.
