Swanger to serve at least 19 years behind bars

A Buchanan man will be spending the next two decades behind bars after he was sentenced last week.

Jonathan David Swanger, 37, decided to take a guilty plea to two counts of child molestation instead of facing a trial in the Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court last Friday, June 7.

He was sentenced to 40 years – to serve 19 of those behind bars – after almost two full years in jail awaiting this final day in court. Swanger was arrested on August 18, 2022, following an investigation by detectives with the Haralson County Sheriffs Office.

The conclusion of the case was one that Sheriff Stacy Williams praised both investigators and prosecutors for in a press release, and what he believes shows is the efforts by his office in protecting Haralson County residents of all ages while also ensuring that justice is served for victims.

“The safety of our children is paramount, and our law enforcement officers are at the forefront of this mission” states Sheriff Williams. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sgt. Jason Bowman and Assistant District Attorney Sara Japour for their tireless efforts in this case. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in obtaining this conviction and making Haralson County a safer place for all of us.”

It was also a conclusion that the District Attorney’s office was happy with after sentencing concluded last week.

“Deputy Chief ADA Sarah Japour was able to bring justice to the victim and her family by sending Mr. Swanger to prison for the next two decades,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney Jaeson Smith said. “We are very proud of Ms. Japour and her staff’s work in this case.”