Raleigh Resident Facing Federal Charges After FBI Uncovers Multi State Child Abuse and Exploitation Network

Andrew Swenson of Raleigh faces federal charges for child pornography and abuse following an FBI investigation across North Carolina, Nebraska, and New York.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The News & Observer

Federal Investigation Links North Carolina Man to Multi State Crimes

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the arrest of Andrew Swenson on March 10, following a comprehensive FBI investigation. A federal complaint details a series of high risk encounters initiated by the 42 year old Raleigh resident, who is accused of utilizing digital platforms to coordinate the exploitation of minors. Federal authorities moved to intercept Swenson after identifying specific plans to engage in interstate travel for the purpose of committing heinous acts of abuse.

Digital Solicitation via Encrypted Social Media Platforms

According to the criminal complaint, Swenson utilized the social media applications Zangi and Discord to communicate with a 13 year old girl in Nebraska. Investigators allege that Swenson engaged in these chats after seeing the minor advertised for abuse online. During these digital interactions, he reportedly pressured the teenager to provide sexually explicit imagery and coordinated a logistics plan to travel from North Carolina to her home in Nebraska to facilitate physical abuse.

Discovery of Abduction Materials During Residential Search

When FBI agents executed a search warrant at Swenson’s Raleigh home, they discovered evidence suggesting premeditated kidnapping or restraint. In the suspect's bedroom, agents recovered bags containing rope, zip ties, and duct tape. Swenson’s roommate provided further testimony to federal agents, noting that the suspect traveled out of town on a routine basis, frequently claiming he was meeting with women he had encountered on the internet.