Raleigh man arrested for child sex crimes renews push for online safety

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh man is in federal custody after being accused of using social media to target, manipulate and sexually exploit children - a case prompting concern among parents about what their kids are doing online.

The FBI said 42 year old Andrew Swenson was arrested this week on charges alleging he used social media to contact a 13 year old girl and made plans to travel to Nebraska to sexually abuse her in October 2025.

According to warrants, federal prosecutors say Swenson told the victim he lived out of state and considered driving 22 hours to see her. "Sweetie, I'm sorry that today isn't happening," Swenson wrote to the 13 year old. "Unfortunately, I actually don't live in Nebraska, but I definitely wish I did. Never in a million years did I ever expect to find someone like you."

In a separate incident, investigators say Swenson admitted to traveling to New York and sexually abusing an infant. The criminal complaint reports Swenson "stated he met the baby's mother online and traveled to New York to visit her. He claimed the mother was asleep and did not know he had any sexual contact with the infant or that he took any pictures or videos."

Parents and community members said the case underscores the need for vigilance.

"I'm kind of speechless, honestly. I can't imagine," said Wake County mother of three Kathy Moraga.

"I take it very seriously because I have two younger sisters, and there are things I tell them to watch out for," added Sania Lamb.

Others emphasized that children often mirror what they see adults doing online.

"The kids feed off that energy," said father Justin Jimenez. "They see what you do on the internet. They see how you act on the internet. And they'll do the exact same thing."

In a statement, FBI Special Agent in Charge for North Carolina Reid Davis said, "Those who prey on children and solicit them to produce child sexual abuse material are morally reprehensible and will be held accountable for their heinous crimes."

Swenson is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. His attorney declined to comment.

SEE ALSO: Man identified after fatal stabbing on American Tobacco Trail