Tierra Learning Center under state and local probe; Manager arrested, executive director dismissed

The adult family home for special-needs clients operated by Tierra Learning Center in Leavenworth, called the Coyote House, is under local and state investigation after the manager of the home allegedly failed to report a sexual offense among its residents.

An "initial sex offense" was reported to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office in January, and detectives are currently investigating the nonprofit, according to a news release.

Susan Albert, the center's board president, said in a statement that in late January, they were notified of "allegations that a Coyote House resident was suspected of having engaged in sexual activity with two other residents."

That resident was not identified and has not been a resident of the Coyote House since January, according to Albert.

She added that the board contacted the Washington Adult Protective Services after learning of the allegations and have since "offered (their) full cooperation with the state and the Chelan County Sheriff's Office as they conduct their confidential investigation."

Coyote House manager Matthew Woods, 38, was arrested April 9 by deputies on suspicion of failure to report and fourth-degree criminal mistreatment.

Chief of Special Operations Ryan Moody clarified that Woods was not arrested for the January sex offense. As of Thursday, Woods has not been charged with a crime.

Chelan County Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Valaas said in an email that the office won't decide whether to file charges until the investigation is complete.

The sheriff's office and the State Department of Social and Health Services are actively investigating the matter. DSHS has put a stop-placement order on the Coyote House adult family home, meaning it's not allowed to admit new residents and is also under an interim manager.

Meeche White, the center's executive director, was placed on administrative leave when the board learned of the allegations, and on Tuesday, she was dismissed.

"The Board believes we did not receive the unvarnished facts, in a timely manner," Albert said in the statement. "Our focus is on taking all steps necessary to see that this does not happen in the future. If we learn new relevant, information we will report this to our resident families and, if appropriate, to the public."

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