U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that Michael E. Swain, 37, from Tonawanda, NY, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and lifetime supervised release. This sentence follows Swain's conviction on charges of child pornography production. The sentence was passed by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, handling the case, detailed the events between October 20 and November 1, 2021, when Swain coerced five minor victims into engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The purpose was to produce visual depictions. Swain's communication with a 15-year-old girl from Colorado occurred on Discord, a social media platform. During these discussions, Swain engaged in sexually graphic conversations and requested the minor to send explicit videos and images. Reports also show numerous sexual communications and the exchange of explicit materials between approximately 2019 to 2022.
A search warrant was executed on February 28, 2023, at Swain's residence by the FBI, leading to the seizure of several electronic devices containing child pornography.
The sentencing concluded an investigation conducted by the Tonawanda Police Department, the FBI Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, and the New York State Police.
