A Buckingham County man is being held without bond after investigators linked him to alleged sexual offenses involving multiple juvenile victims, police said.
A Buckingham County man has been charged with 11 felony offenses following a months-long investigation into allegations of sexual crimes involving children, according to the Albemarle County Police Department. Investigators say additional victims may exist due to the suspect’s employment history in local schools.
Key Points
• Michael J. Swiney, 37, faces 11 felony charges involving alleged sexual offenses against juveniles.
• Police identified four juvenile victims during an investigation that began in January.
• Detectives believe additional victims may exist and are asking the public to come forward.
The investigation began in January when one victim reported that a staff member at their school had engaged in inappropriate sexual contact, police said. As detectives continued investigating, three additional juvenile victims came forward with similar allegations.
According to authorities, the alleged incidents occurred between August 2024 and January 2026.
Grand Jury Returns Indictments
An Albemarle County grand jury returned indictments against 37-year-old Michael J. Swiney on Monday. Swiney surrendered to the Albemarle County Police Department on Wednesday and was taken into custody without incident.
He is charged with seven counts of aggravated sexual battery, three counts of indecent liberties, and one count of attempted aggravated sexual battery.
Swiney is currently being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond.
Detectives Seek Additional Victims
Police said the investigation remains active and believe additional victims may not yet have come forward. Detectives cited Swiney’s employment at local schools as a factor in that concern.
In announcing the arrest, the department stated that detectives “have reason to believe that additional victims may exist” and urged anyone with information to contact investigators.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities have not released the names of the schools where Swiney was employed or additional details about the allegations. Police said protecting the identities of juvenile victims remains a priority as the case moves forward.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Godfrey with the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 434-296-5807.
The charges against Swiney are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.