Four Arrested in Nationwide Fraud and Kidnapping Scheme

Four individuals have been charged in a 39-count indictment for their alleged involvement in a scheme to exploit the benefits of intellectually disabled women in Pennsylvania. The defendants, Michael Swanson, 43, David Dziobczynski, 54, Caitlyn Eusden Swanson, 26, and Nicole Swanson, 39, face charges including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, as well as kidnapping, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The indictment alleges that the defendants targeted intellectually disabled women, identified as Victim 1 and Victim 2, to gain control of their Social Security Administration (SSA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The defendants allegedly misrepresented to the victims that their benefits were being managed for their benefit, while in reality, the funds were used for the defendants' own purposes.

Michael Swanson and Nicole Swanson are accused of grooming the victims to live with them at a residence in Chester, Pennsylvania, owned by Dziobczynski. The indictment further alleges that Michael Swanson controlled the victims through sexual acts, to which they lacked the capacity to consent, with Nicole Swanson encouraging these acts. The defendants allegedly used coercive tactics, including verbal and physical abuse, threats, and isolation, to maintain control over the victims.

The charges also include conspiracy to commit kidnapping and two counts of kidnapping, related to the transportation of the victims from Pennsylvania to Florida. The indictment claims that the defendants sought financial gain and engaged in illegal sexual acts with the victims during this time.

Additionally, the indictment details efforts by Michael Swanson and Dziobczynski to remove a social worker, Victim 3, from her role by lodging false complaints and harassing her.

If convicted, Michael Swanson, Nicole Swanson, and Caitlyn Eusden Swanson each face a maximum sentence of life in prison, while David Dziobczynski faces up to 30 years. The case is part of a broader enforcement action by the Department of Justice targeting fraud involving SNAP and related USDA programs, which has resulted in actions against over 40 defendants with nearly $45 million in intended losses.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran and Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Harrell.

The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.