A St. Louis County man has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and engaging in online discussions about such material over several years.
Brayden M. Swathwood, 29, admitted guilt to one count of possession of child pornography on Friday. According to court documents, he also exchanged CSAM with an individual in Georgia and claimed during conversations with that person that he was sexually abusing a 4-year-old minor and intended to record the abuse. Authorities stated there is no evidence supporting Swathwood’s claims regarding the minor.
On December 17, 2024, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in St. Louis executed a court-approved search of Swathwood’s apartment and vehicle in St. Louis County. During the search, they seized his cellphone and other electronic devices. Swathwood acknowledged viewing and discussing CSAM online during an interview with investigators.
Swathwood is set for sentencing on May 12, 2026. The charge could result in up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
The case was investigated by HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson.
The prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
