A Blanchard, Oklahoma man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography and communicating a threat to bomb synagogues. Landon Kyle Swinford, 20, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin on August 14, 2025.
According to court records, Swinford first came to law enforcement’s attention in May 2023 when he posted ISIS propaganda on social media and made contact with an undercover officer. Over several months, Swinford discussed plans to travel overseas to join ISIS and suggested potential targets for attacks, including Gaylord Memorial Stadium at the University of Oklahoma, a Walmart location, and the city of New Orleans. He also sent a manifesto and a video pledging allegiance to ISIS while burning an Israeli flag.
The FBI investigation revealed that Swinford managed multiple social media accounts. On October 23, 2023, he posted a public message on Instagram encouraging followers to “bomb a synagogue” during Halloween.
Investigators also determined that Swinford’s known IP address and two of his accounts had accessed child pornography in April and July of 2023. Swinford later admitted to possessing and sharing such material. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2024.
“The egregious conduct of this defendant stands in direct violation of our core values and must be confronted with the full force of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The Justice Department remains unwavering in its commitment to protect children and defend our communities from the vile, hateful rhetoric exposed in this case. This sentence sends an unmistakable message: those who exploit the internet to target the vulnerable and spread fear will face swift and severe consequences.”
“In an apparent pledge of loyalty to ISIS, the defendant used his access to the internet to make threats of violence against innocent Americans,” said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Sonia Garcia. “The sentence handed down today reflects the deliberate and calculated nature of his crimes, which also include viewing child pornography. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate this kind of egregious behavior, and we will continue to respond to all threats with the utmost urgency.”
Swinford pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024. He admitted that he knowingly possessed material containing child pornography—including images involving prepubescent children—and that he transmitted communications threatening harm.
At sentencing, Judge Goodwin cited several factors behind his decision: the seriousness of Swinford’s offenses; his targeting of synagogues and Jewish individuals; his expressed willingness to fight for ISIS; distribution of child pornography; as well as having direct contact with minors for sexually explicit exchanges.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Edmond Police Department, McClain County Sheriff’s Office, New York City Police Department, Norman Police Department, Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma City University Police Department, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and University of Oklahoma Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Dillon prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
