Special to The Leader

BEAUMONT — A 28-year-old Orange man pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.
Jonathan Michael Swearingen pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary J. Hawthorn.
According to information presented in court, on Sep. 4, 2013, federal agents executed a search warrant at Swearingen’s residence in Orange, Texas, after authorities identified a computer Internet Protocol (IP) address belonging to Swearingen, possessing and offering images of child pornography via file sharing programs. A personal computer and digital storage devices were seized during the search. A review of the items revealed approximately 308 images and 25 videos of child pornography. Swearingen was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 1, 2014 and charged with child exploitation violations.
Swearingen faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Beaumont Police Department, the West Orange Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.