RALEIGH, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), published as received.
RALEIGH, N.C. – The FBI arrested Andrew Swenson, 42, of Raleigh, on a federal warrant in downtown Raleigh. The FBI obtained the warrant after a U.S. magistrate judge signed a federal criminal complaint. The Complaint accuses Swenson of sexually soliciting one minor online and traveling to sexually abuse another minor.
According to the complaint, Swenson met a thirteen-year-old online after another criminal advertised her for sexual abuse. Swenson chatted with her on social media platforms Zangi and Discord and persuaded her to send images of child sexual abuse material. He made plans to drive to her home in Nebraska, pick her up, and bring her to North Carolina to continue to sexually abuse her.
The FBI executed a search warrant at Swenson’s residence. His roommate reported that Swenson routinely travels out of town to have sex with what Swenson claimed were women. In Swenson’s bedroom, investigators found bags containing rope, zip ties, and duct tape:
The FBI also discovered that Swenson had recently met a woman on the internet who had an infant baby, traveled to visit her in New York, and produced images and videos of him sexually abusing the baby.
“Those who prey on children and solicit them to produce child abuse sexual material are morally reprehensible and will be held accountable for their heinous crimes,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “The FBI remains committed to protecting our children.”
Swenson is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child pornography and faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted of all charges.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. FBI, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh Police Department, and Apex Police Department are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin C. Blondel is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:26-mj-1351-RJ.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
