Elizabethtown sex offender arrested

A serious sex offender from Elizabethtown was arrested Wednesday after a three month investigation involving his work with a Madison pro wrestling group.

In July, a person reported being threatened and harassed online and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department began investigating

On Wednesday, deputies arrested 35-year-old Robert F. Swengel, of Elizabethtown on an out-of-county warrant for Unlawful Employment near Children, Unlawful Entry of School Property by a Serious Sex Offender and being a Habitual Offender.

During the investigation, detectives found that Swengel had been briefly involved with a pro wrestling promotion out of Madison. At an event at a school, a victim identified him as a sexual predator and he was immediately escorted from the property. Because he is a previously convicted sex offender, he is prohibited from being on school property.

Organizers of the wrestling event say that they did not know of Swengel’s history when they let him volunteer for the position. His involvement was also reported to police.

Deputies at first thought Swengel was also affilated with a Columbus based pro wrestling organization but that did not turn out to be correct.

Although the investigation originated in Bartholomew County, authorities say the offenses occurred in Jefferson County. Swengel has been transferred to the county jail there.