PHILADELPHIA, PA — Four Delaware County residents face federal charges in an alleged scheme to exploit women with intellectual disabilities, using sexual abuse, coercion and threats to gain control of their government benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Michael Swanson, 43, David Dziobczynski, 54, and Caitlyn Eusden Swanson, 26, all of Chester, and Nicole Swanson, 39, of Upper Darby, were arrested and charged in a 39-count indictment alleging conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and related offenses.
Federal prosecutors allege that the defendants targeted women with intellectual disabilities to obtain control of their Social Security Administration and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, then used the funds for their own purposes while falsely claiming to manage the money for the victims’ benefit.
According to the indictment, Michael Swanson and Nicole Swanson allegedly persuaded the women to join a household they described as a family, living at a Chester residence owned by Dziobczynski and at other locations.
Investigators allege that Michael Swanson sexually exploited the women, who lacked the capacity to consent, while Nicole Swanson encouraged their participation and sometimes engaged in sexual acts with them herself.
The indictment further accuses Michael Swanson, Nicole Swanson and Caitlyn Eusden Swanson of using verbal and physical abuse, threats, food restrictions and isolation to maintain control over the victims.
Prosecutors allege that the three defendants also deprived the women of access to electronic devices and used minor children to monitor their activities.
Michael Swanson, Nicole Swanson and Caitlyn Eusden Swanson each face charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and two counts of kidnapping.
Those charges stem from allegations that the defendants transported two women from eastern Pennsylvania to northern Florida to obtain financial benefits and engage in illegal sexual acts with them.
The indictment also describes alleged efforts to interfere with a social worker assigned to some of the Swansons’ minor children.
Between approximately Feb. 13 and June 23, 2023, Michael Swanson and Dziobczynski allegedly attempted to have the social worker removed from her position by repeatedly filing meritless complaints with supervisors and harassing and threatening her.
Michael Swanson, Nicole Swanson and Caitlyn Eusden Swanson made their initial federal court appearances Oct. 14, 2026, before a magistrate judge in Philadelphia. Dziobczynski appeared Oct. 15.
If convicted, Michael Swanson, Nicole Swanson and Caitlyn Eusden Swanson each face a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. Dziobczynski faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison. Those penalties represent statutory maximums, not anticipated sentences.
The prosecution is part of a broader Department of Justice enforcement initiative targeting alleged fraud involving SNAP and other federal agricultural assistance programs.
Federal authorities reported that enforcement actions conducted between Sept. 1 and Oct. 23 involved more than 40 defendants and nearly $45 million in alleged or established intended federal losses, including approximately $42 million connected to SNAP fraud.
The investigation involved 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.
Investigators also received assistance from the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division, Upper Chichester Township Police Department and Leon County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Curran and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Harrell are prosecuting the case.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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