Former Colorado Teacher Arrested on Kidnapping Charges

Tera Johnson-Swartz, a 44-year-old former teacher at STEM School Highlands Ranch and a 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year finalist, was arrested on charges of kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported that the investigation began on February 18, when a juvenile victim was identified as being involved with Johnson-Swartz. Following the investigation, she was placed on paid administrative leave on January 21 and subsequently arrested on February 20. The school has stated they are cooperating with law enforcement but have not confirmed if Johnson-Swartz resigned or was fired. She is currently held at the Douglas County Detention Facility on a $50,000 bail and is set to appear in court soon. The case remains under investigation, with authorities asking for any additional information from the public.