Andrew Swenson, 42, of Raleigh was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Mar. 10 in downtown Raleigh on a federal warrant related to child sexual exploitation charges. The arrest followed the signing of a federal criminal complaint by a U.S. magistrate judge, which accuses Swenson of soliciting one minor online and traveling to abuse another.
The case is significant due to the serious nature of the allegations, which involve both online solicitation and interstate travel for the purpose of sexually abusing minors.
According to the complaint, Swenson met a thirteen-year-old girl online after another individual advertised her for sexual abuse. He communicated with her through social media platforms Zangi and Discord, persuading her to send images depicting child sexual abuse material. Authorities say he planned to drive from North Carolina to Nebraska to pick up the minor and bring her back for further abuse.
During a search at Swenson’s residence, investigators found bags containing rope, zip ties, and duct tape in his bedroom. His roommate told authorities that Swenson often traveled out of town claiming he was meeting women for sex. The FBI also discovered that Swenson had recently met a woman with an infant in New York, traveled there, and produced images and videos showing 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, FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “The FBI remains committed to protecting our children.”
Swenson faces charges including coercion and enticement of a minor as well as production of child pornography. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the arrest. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI along with Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh Police Department, and Apex Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin C. Blondel is prosecuting the case.
