A Billings man has pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Kole David Kuntz, aged 41, admitted guilt on two counts of distributing child pornography. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from five to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and special assessments totaling $40,000. Additionally, Kuntz could face supervised release for a period ranging from five years to life.
The case was presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan, while U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine the final sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors at a later date. In the meantime, Kuntz has been released under specific conditions pending further proceedings.
Court documents reveal that law enforcement officials created an undercover online profile on November 16, 2024, posing as an adult male with a minor daughter on a social media platform. The defendant's account soon initiated contact and expressed interest in the fictitious daughter.
As conversations progressed and became more explicit, it was revealed that when informed the "daughter" was twelve years old, Kuntz indicated he "could have a lot of fun with her." On November 21, 2024, he suggested switching to a more secure application and sent a video depicting explicit content involving minors as proof of his seriousness.
Subsequent communications led to another video being distributed by Kuntz on November 22nd showing illegal activity involving minors. A search warrant executed at his residence in Billings resulted in the discovery of incriminating electronic evidence linking him directly to these actions.
Kuntz confessed during an interview with law enforcement officials that he was responsible for sharing these images and videos.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted this case which involved investigative efforts by the FBI under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated federal and local resources focused on identifying perpetrators and rescuing victims.
For additional information about Project Safe Childhood initiatives visit Justice.gov/PSC.
