Landon Kyle Swinford, a 20-year-old resident of Blanchard, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography and communicating a threat. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Court records show that on May 18, 2023, Swinford contacted an undercover law enforcement officer after sharing ISIS propaganda online. Over several months, he expressed intentions to join ISIS abroad and discussed potential targets for attacks, including Gaylord Memorial Stadium at the University of Oklahoma, Walmart stores, and the city of New Orleans. Swinford also sent the undercover officer a manifesto and a video pledging allegiance to ISIS while burning an Israeli flag.
The FBI’s investigation revealed that Swinford operated multiple social media accounts. On October 23, 2023, he posted on Instagram: “CAST FEAR INTO THE HEARTS OF THE KUFFAR THIS HALLOWEEN Dress up as your favorite mujahideen and bomb a synagogue.”
Investigators determined that two of Swinford’s accounts accessed child pornography in April and July of 2023. He later admitted to possessing and distributing such material. A federal Grand Jury indicted him 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, admitting he knowingly possessed images containing child pornography—including those depicting prepubescent children—and that he transmitted threats intended to injure others.
At sentencing on August 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin imposed a ten-year prison term followed by five years’ supervised release. Judge Goodwin cited the gravity of Swinford’s actions—including targeting synagogues and Jewish individuals—his willingness to support ISIS activities, distribution of child pornography, as well as direct contact with minors for sexual discussions.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: 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.
Public filings contain additional information about this case.
