Abbie Jane Swogger

A former Highlands Senior High School teacher's aide was sentenced to three to six years in state prison today after pleading guilty to having sexual contact with teens, whom she also provided with alcohol and drugs.

Abbie Jane Swogger, 36, was arrested in February 2008 after a beer- and crack-fueled hotel party with several teens in New Kensington. She was eventually charged with 40 counts stemming from the party and other acts, including a months-long sexual relationship she had with a 17-year-old who was a friend of Ms. Swogger's son.

She pleaded guilty this morning to 10 charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a minor. In addition to the prison time, Allegheny County Judge Kevin G. Sasinoski tacked on 36 years of probation and Ms. Swogger will have to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law for the rest of her life.

"I want to say I'm very, very sorry for hurting anybody -- my family, the families of the victims," Ms. Swogger told Judge Sasinoski before he imposed the sentence.

"I'm sorry for not being the role model I should have been."

Deputy District Attorney Laura Ditka said Ms. Swogger met the victims through her employment at the school, where she served as a special education teacher's aide. The former exotic dancer would meet up with the kids after school, Ms. Ditka said, and do drugs or engage in sex acts.

Her attorney, Michael Waltman, said that Ms. Swogger's sons are now 14 and 17 and have been severely hurt by the charges. They were not in court today. Ms. Swogger's mother and grandmother appeared in support.

Mr. Waltman said his client's conduct stemmed from a drug addiction.

Ms. Ditka said the lifetime Megan's Law registration was important because it will keep Ms. Swogger from ever working with children again, and that she welcomed the lengthy probation that schedules Ms. Swogger for drug testing into her 70s.

"Any condition that will help to keep her clean will not only protect children, but keep her on the straight and narrow and help her to have a better life," Ms. Ditka said.