A former teacher at STEM Highlands Ranch was sentenced to 14 years in prison Thursday for sexually exploiting a child, authorities said.

Tera Johnson-Swartz, 45, pleaded guilty in January to sexual exploitation of a child and one count of felony cybercrime. The charges stem from a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student, according to a news release from the 23rd District Attorney’s Office.

“Douglas County has some of the finest teachers in Colorado — I know, because like many parents in our community — I have entrusted my four kids to be taught by them,” District Attorney George Brauchler said in the release. “This warning is coming from a DA and a parent: if a teacher in our community exploits their position of trust with our kids for their own lascivious desires, we will seek to change their life forever. We will work to make them a convicted felon, and we will try to take away their freedom.”

In late 2024, Johnson-Swartz initiated contact with the student through text messages, Brauchler’s office said, adding that, after weeks of communication, she met with the student outside of school, provided him with cigarettes and sexually assaulted him.

Subsequent meetings included additional sexual assaults, according to the news release.

In February 2025, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Johnson-Swartz on charges of kidnapping and contribution to the delinquency of a minor. Additional charges, including sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, were added later, the news release said.

“We are grateful for the tireless work of our Special Victims Unit and the dedication of the District Attorney’s office in taking this case so seriously,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Their commitment ensures that those who prey on our most vulnerable, our children, are held fully accountable. Protecting our youth will always remain one of our top priorities.”