Brayden M. Swathwood, Child Pornography, Missouri 2026

ST. LOUIS – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, a 29-year-old man from St. Louis County, Missouri, has admitted to possessing images containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his mobile phone and discussing CSAM with others online for years.

Brayden M. Swathwood pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. He also admitted exchanging CSAM with someone in Georgia and claiming in discussions with that person that he was sexually abusing a 4-year-old minor and planned to record that abuse. There is no evidence that Swathwood’s claims about the minor are true.

On December 17, 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in St. Louis conducted a court-approved search of Swathwood’s apartment in St. Louis County and his vehicle. They seized his cellphone and other electronic devices and interviewed Swathwood, who admitted viewing and discussing CSAM online.

Swathwood is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2026. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and fine.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006.

Defendant: Brayden M. Swathwood

Criminal Charges: Possession of Child Pornography

City and State: St. Louis, Missouri

Exact Date: December 17, 2024 (search and seizure)

Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled sentencing on May 12, 2026, up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/st-louis-county-man-admits-child-pornography-crime