Polk County deputies seek accused child molester

Thursday, July 21, 2005

---

Click here for an enlarged image.

Authorities are asking for help finding a school teacher accused of molesting two young girls.

Polk County investigators believe 50-year-old Darryl Swygert molested two 9-year-old girls who were family friends. According to an affidavit, Swygert had sexual intercourse with the two girls. There is a warrant for his arrest charging him with two counts of sexual battery on victims under 12 years of age.

Deputies believe Swygert, who teaches at Dundee Ridge Middle School in Dundee, may be trying to leave the country. A travel agent said Swygert looked into information about traveling to Thailand or South Africa. The agent says he became suspicious and contacted the sheriff's office after noticing Swygert had his luggage packed in the back of his car.

A spokesperson for the Polk County School Board says Swygert, of 720 Crestwood Drive in Winter Haven, has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Polk County detectives are asking anyone with information about Swygert's location to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

More Polk County Stories

• Polk County church sending care packages overseas
• The next 'Hyde Park' of Lakeland
• Detention deputy accused of selling Oxycontin
• Suspect in deadly Polk County rampage to defend himself
• Colleges ditching lunch trays, helping the environment
• Polk churches lend hand to charter school

Select the size text you want to use to view www.baynews9.com from the choices below.

• Breaking News Alerts
• Live Audio Stream
• RSS News Feed

• Submit an Event
• Community Events
• Sporting Events
• Entertainment Events
• Spanish Events

Bay News 9's Partners