Greensburg, Pennsylvania: An investigation into allegations that 44-year-old James A. Swanson sexually assaulted a child in 2019 began in August 2019 when an adult witness came forward to Pennsylvania State Trooper David Wineland reporting that a toddler had made sexually-explicit statements.
Troopers made contact with Swanson and he reportedly agreed to an interview. During that discussion, he denied the allegations and abruptly ended the interview according to documents seen by Trib Live. He then advised the troopers that he would be hiring a lawyer.
Wineland reported that the child was interviewed at a Child's Place in North Huntington where "the victim didn't many any disclosures," and a medical examination two days later had "negative results."
In 2020, the adult witness once again contacted state troopers once more voicing concerns of sexual assault after the child had again made sexually-explicit statements in front of other adults implicating Swanson.
Swanson was once more interviewed, this time by county children and youth services workers and troopers, and one again denied the allegations. This time he reportedly told investigators that he "strongly" believed the child was being coached.
Further investigating, Winegard spoke with the licensed psychologist that had been working with the three-year-old boy since August of 2019 and learned that the child had made sexual statements during some of their sessions.
The psychologist further told Winegard that the "the victim has developmental delays and isn't capable of being coached."
Swanson has been charged with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, and aggravated indecent assault of a child. He was booked into the Westmoreland County Prison after his arrest yesterday and has since posted the $50,000 bond and been released.
He scheduled back in court on May 13 at 10:00 am for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Joseph R. DeMarchis.