Polk County deputies seek accused child molester

Thursday, July 21, 2005

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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).