Harrisburg, Pa. — A 33-year-old Pennsylvania man “has proven without a doubt that he is a threat to the children in our community,” according to Attorney General Michelle Henry.
Mason Swanson, of Columbus Township in Warren County, pleaded guilty to seven felony counts of possession of child pornography, and was determined to be a sexually violent predator. He was sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison, followed by five years probation. He will have to register for life as a sexual predator.
It’s Swanson’s second conviction for sexual abuse charges, according to the AGs office. He was previously convicted of indecent assault and corruption of minors for sexual contact with a 13-year-old child.
Henry said Swanson is a proven threat to children. “Today’s sentencing ensures that he will no longer have access to vulnerable young people, online, or in person. Accessing child pornography is a crime that my office takes very seriously, and we will continue to protect children and hold predators accountable.”
An investigation by the Office of Attorney General found that child pornography files were being downloaded from a computer with Swanson’s IP address. Investigators executed a search warrant at Swanson’s home, and found files containing child pornography on his laptop, desktop computer, and multiple electronic storage devices, according to a news release.
In an interview with investigators, the defendant admitted to viewing child pornography on a regular basis.
Anyone who has information about child predators is urged to contact the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section at 1-800-385-1044. Concerned citizens can also report child abuse to the Pennsylvania ChildLine by calling 1-800-932-0313.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Angela Raver.
