A convicted sex offender who fled California was arrested by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) after spending the past 21 years hiding out in Spring Hill.
Public Information Officer Denise M. Moloney said that on May 25, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) told the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office that David Swenson, a convicted Sex Offender had fled California and was possibly residing in Spring Hill.
A subsequent investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff Office’s Major Crimes unit, revealed that Swenson was wanted on several active warrants for failing to register as a sex offender in California. Detectives also learned that Swenson had fled California in 2000, and had been living in Spring Hill under the assumed name of Kevin Crowley ever since.
A review of HCSOA records revealed that in 2009 deputies answered a call from someone at Swenson’s address at 12741 Linden Dr. in Spring Hill. During that call, Swenson gave his name as Crowley when deputies found him hiding in a crawl space at the residence.
At the time, Deputies issued a Notice of Appear in court to Kevin Crowley, but the case was diverted in a pre-trial action and was later abandoned by the court.
A search of databases from other state agencies showed that Swenson had obtained a Florida fishing license under the name of Kevin Crowley, and that two vehicles, a boat and a camper found on the Linden Dr. property were registered to his wife, Kathleen Crowley.
In addition, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Swenson had never obtained a Florida driver’s license,or a state identification card under his own name or as Kevin Crowley.
Finally, he never registered as a Sex Offender in the State of Florida.
When they visited her home, Kathleen Crowley told investigators that her husband was out riding his bicycle.
According to Moloney, detectives searched the neighborhood, but were unable to locate Swenson. Personnel from HCSO’s Aviation Unit later spotted Swenson walking on the bike trail near Anderson Snow Park.
When detectives caught up with him, Swenson confirmed his identity and was arrested and charged with Failing to Register as a Sex Offender.
Swenson later told investigators that he wanted to “end his time on the run.”
California declined to extradite Swenson.
He was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center, and is free on $5,000 bond.
