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Written by: E. George
Published August 9, 2024 @ 11:40 AM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged sexual violence against/sexual exploitation of children.
LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. – David Lee Swanson, a retired school teacher and landlord from South Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after authorities discovered disturbing evidence of child sexual exploitation. The sentencing, which took place on July 31, 2024, was handed down by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. In addition to his prison term, Swanson will face ten years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
Swanson, 61, had pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. The case against him began on March 1, 2023, when a tenant of one of his rental properties in Ray City found a hidden camera in the home’s bathroom. This discovery led to a thorough investigation by local and federal authorities.
The initial tip from the tenant prompted a search of the property, where law enforcement officers found a hidden camera installed in the bathroom ceiling, connected via an extension cord running through the attic. Additionally, two cameras were concealed in electrical outlets within the same bathroom.
The footage captured by these cameras included images of four children, aged between one and twelve years old, while they were bathing and undressing.
Following this revelation, authorities executed a search warrant at Swanson’s residence in Valdosta on March 3, 2023. There, investigators uncovered approximately 750 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Swanson’s electronic devices.
Some of this material included explicit images of minors in bathrooms and engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators also discovered evidence of Swanson using peer-to-peer software to download additional child pornography.
Swanson’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of his crimes. U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary commented on the case, stating, “Child predators caught secretly filming unsuspecting and innocent young children and possessing all manners of child sexual abuse material will face justice for these crimes.”
Jennifer Huerta, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, added, “The home should be a refuge for a family, particularly children. To violate that sanctuary is unforgivable, especially in such a reprehensible way.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Ray City Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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