Massachusetts – from www.bostonherald.com – A former riding instructor authorities say raped a teenager in a horse trailer and posted pictures of her feet online for fellow foot-fetish freaks pleaded guilty today to federal child pornography charges.

Joseph Silva, 34, of Swansea, who faces 15-to-30 years in prison when he’s sentenced June 29 by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, is also awaiting trial in New Bedford Superior Court on related state charges of rape of a child with force, posing a child in a sexual act, distribution of nude photos of a child and witness intimidation.

“We’ve been working hand in hand with the federal officials on this matter,” said Gregg Miliote, spokesman for Bristol District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter. “The allegations, both federally and state, are pretty horrendous.”

Silva, a small, trim man in a gray suit and blue shirt, changed his plea in the federal case this morning after a jury had already been empaneled and opening arguments were about to begin.

Silva’s victim in the federal case took lessons at Haskins Farm in Berkeley, where he worked as a trainer. Their relationship started with compliments on her riding and a kiss when she was 14 and escalated to sex in October 2002, while both were attending the New England Horse Show finals in Springfield.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Cummings said Gorton investigators found pictures of children engaged in sex on Silva’s computer, and that he forwarded photos to a 15-year-old boy.

A search warrant affidavit filed in federal court indicates police seized a Taser from Silva and three pistols.