A former Lake Belton High School (LBHS) athletic trainer, Trevor Swift, 57, has been found guilty of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Swift was sentenced to 84 months (7 years) in federal prison after a court trial in Waco, Texas.
The case came to light after students at LBHS recorded Swift viewing explicit images and reported him to school administrators, leading to an investigation by law enforcement.
How the Investigation Unfolded
Student Reports & School Response
- LBHS students recorded Swift looking at CSAM and reported it to school officials.
- The school immediately placed Swift on administrative leave in May 2022.
Arrest & Law Enforcement Involvement
- Temple police and the FBI launched an investigation.
- Swift was arrested on May 26, 2022.
Evidence Found in Swift’s Office
- Investigators discovered a memory card in Swift’s office containing illegal images.
- The material included both prepubescent and pubescent children engaged in explicit acts.
- Some of the victims depicted were as young as five years old.
Legal Proceedings & Sentencing
Trial & Conviction
- Swift was tried in a federal bench trial (where the judge, not a jury, decides the case).
- He was convicted on July 31, 2024, in a Waco federal court.
Why Sentencing Took Longer
- Bench trials require the judge to provide detailed written justifications for sentencing, making the process longer than a jury trial.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Kucera prosecuted the case.
Final Sentence
- Swift received 84 months (7 years) in federal prison.
Understanding the Term CSAM
The Department of Justice (DOJ) prefers the term “Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)” over “Child Pornography”, as it better reflects the trauma and exploitation of victims. Federal laws still use “Child Pornography”, but advocacy groups and law enforcement encourage the use of CSAM to accurately describe the nature of these crimes.