Swiney faces 20 sex crime indictments

Swiney faces 20 sex crime indictments

Published 4:50 pm Friday, October 9, 2026

The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) has obtained nine additional charges against a 37-year-old Buckingham County man accused of sexually assaulting victims while employed as a staff member in that county’s school system.

Michael J. Swiney, of Buckingham, was indicted on additional charges of aggravated sexual battery by an Albemarle County grand jury Monday, Oct. 5. The new indictments involve three additional victims.

“We know this is difficult news for everyone who has been impacted by this case and want to assure the community that our detectives have never stopped working on this

investigation,” said Cpt. Michael Talbert of ACPD’s Criminal Investigations Division. “Our detectives have continued to follow new information and work diligently to move this case forward. We will continue that work and do everything within our ability to seek justice.”

Swiney was previously indicted by an Albemarle County grand jury in June 2026 on 11 felony charges. In total, Swiney now faces 20 felonies related to the investigation.

The Virginia Judiciary online information system shows that Swiney has been indicted on a total of 17 counts of aggravated sexual assault and three counts of indecent liberties.

The investigation began in January 2026 when a victim came forward to report to ACPD that a staff member at their school had engaged them in inappropriate sexual contact. Further investigation at that point revealed three additional juvenile victims who also reported unwanted sexual contact between August 2024 and January 2026. As a result of the investigation, an Albemarle County grand jury returned indictments against Swiney June 1. He turned himself in to ACPD June 3.

Swiney continues to be held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

These indictments were issued as part of a criminal investigation that is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 434- 296-5807.