Intellectually Disabled Women Raped, Assaulted By Delco Pair: DA

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A Delaware County couple has been accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two people with intellectual disabilities, impregnating one, authorities said.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer Michael and Nicole Swanson, 41 and 37, respectively, of Chester, were arrested and charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual assault, and aggravated indecent sexual assault of a person with a mental disability, as well as charges of kidnapping to facilitate a felony, theft, and conspiracy.

Authorities said Michael Swanson's crimes were committed against two women, 30 and 27, and that Nicole Swanson committed the crimes against the 30-year-old woman.

The DA's office said psychological assessments of the victims indicated one has an I.Q. of 56 and the other an I.Q. of 45, making both victims incapable of consenting to the actions of these defendants.

Authorities started their investigation into the Swansons on Jan. 3.

Investigators from the Child Abuse and Exploitation Task Force met at the Upper Chichester Police Department to be briefed on an investigation undertaken after outreach from a concerned family member of the 30-year-old woman.

Investigators were told that the 30-year-old was introduced to Michael Swanson through a friend, the 27-year-old victim.

At the time of the introduction, the 27-year-old woman was pregnant with Swanson’s child.

The two women knew each other from their special education program at Chichester High School.

The three of them entered into a sexual relationship. Swanson persuaded the 30 year old to move out of her father’s home in Linwood by telling her that her father was stealing her Social Security benefits. She moved into 240 Broomall Street, Chester, where Swanson lived with his ex-wife, Nicole Swanson and their six children, together with the 27-year-old, and the homeowner, David Dziobczynski.

In February, the 27-year-old gave birth at Riddle Hospital. A report was made to social services due to her disability and due to Michael Swanson’s numerous previous cases with social services

In July 2023, Michael Swanson moved the two women, the baby, Nicole Swanson (together with seven children), and another woman, Caitlyn Eusden to Tallahassee, Florida.

The group moved into a double-wide trailer, and a witness told investigators Michael Swanson moved to Florida because he was concerned about social services looking into his involvement with the 27-year-old and her child, according to the DA's office.

While in Florida, the 30-year-old was beaten by Eusden, Nicole Swanson, and the children, and a video of the beating was recorded and sent to the victim's family, the DA's office said. As a result of this video, the 30-year-old's sister was able to find her and remove her from the situation, authorities said.

During two forensic interviews, the 30 year old revealed details about the sexual exploitation that occurred at the behest of Swansons, according to authorities.

She also told authorities she was sexually assaulted by Michael Swanson about twice daily, and that she was told not to tell anyone about the activities in the house.

Michael Swanson took away her cell phone and never returned it to her.

Additionally, she told investigators Michael Swanson took her "food card, checks, money and insurance card." The payee on her Social Security card was changed to Michael Swanson in June 2023, using the Chester address, authorities said.

Michael Swanson told her if she needed something, he would get it for her, but he never did, according to authorities.

Sexual relations also occurred between Nicole Swanson and the 30 year old during this time, the DA's office said.

The 30 year old told investigators that there were cameras in various locations throughout the house and that the homeowner told her that he was able to view the camera feed from inside and outside the house, including in Michael Swanson’s room where the sexual abuse was taking place.

As a result of the investigation, Michael Swanson was arrested and extradited to Pennsylvania, an investigation into the abuse of the 27 year old was conducted.

On March 11, a forensic interview of the 27 year old was conducted at the Child Advocacy Center located in Lancaster County, South Carolina.

The investigation revealed that Michael Swanson engaged in numerous sex acts with her while living at the house in Chester, the DA's office said.

Paternity testing confirmed that Michael Swanson is the father of the 27 year old’s child, authorities said

The payee on the 27 year old’s benefits was changed to Michael Swanson, according to authorities.

She also told authorities Michael Swanson took a video of her doing "sexual things" with in a bedroom, and that Nicole Swanson took a video of her being forced to perform oral sex on Michael Swanson, the DA's office said.

She went on to say Nicole Swanson made her perform acts on Michael Swanson when children were present, authorities said. She also reported that Michael Swanson would take away her phone as punishment, the DA's office said. The DA's office said she told authorities she was afraid of Nicole because "she beat people with her fists."

On April 15, the 27 year old was assessed by a psychologist in South Carolina and determined to lack the capacity to consent to a sexual relationship, the DA's office said.

Using federal grant funds provided by a grant to support the office’s efforts to combat human trafficking, the 27 year old and her child have been relocated and now live with family in South Carolina.

Delaware County authorities anticipate more charges will be brought by authorities in Florida against both Swansons. Additionally, federal authorities may pursue charges against Michael Swanson for theft of the victims’ Social Security benefits.

Michael Swanson was arraigned and bail was set at $900,000 in the case involving victim the 30 year old. Bail has not yet been set in the case involving the 27 year old. Nicole Swanson was arraigned and bail was set at $1,000,000 in the case involving the 30 year old.

Both Swansons were remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.