CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Former Hollymead Elementary staffer Michael Swiney was back in Albemarle Circuit Court on Wednesday for a brief appearance, during which a motions hearing in the case was set for Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m.

The defense and prosecution also discussed the possibility of joining the cases against Swiney, who is currently facing seven charges of aggravated sexual battery, one count of attempted aggravated sexual battery and three counts of indecent liberties. Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney W. Lawton Tufts told Albemarle Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Higgins on Wednesday that if Swiney’s cases are not joined, it could result in 5-7 separate trials.

Tufts revealed during Swiney’s last hearing in August that the charges stem from allegations made by four girls, all under the age of 13. Swiney is accused of exposing himself to elementary school girls, even placing his penis in one of the girls’ hands, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecuting the case.

Swiney is alleged to have groomed the girls, made sexual comments toward them and showed his penis on multiple occasions.

He is also alleged to have placed his penis in a victim’s hand, touched one girl’s vaginal area above the clothes and showed a picture of his penis to a victim. Investigators found a picture of his penis upon searching his phone, but it was taken after the alleged incident.

These allegations stem from between August 2024-January 2026, and Tufts noted all four victims came forward before any allegations were made public. They also had no connection with each other, either socially or through family relation.

Swiney has been in custody since his arrest on June 3. He was denied bond during his last appearance.