A Billings man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Kole David Kuntz, 41, received a sentence of 108 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty in July 2025 to two counts of distribution of child pornography. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.
According to court documents, the investigation began on November 16, 2024, when law enforcement officers created an undercover online persona on a social media platform. The persona posed as an adult male with a minor daughter. Shortly after the account was established, another account—later identified as belonging to Kuntz—initiated contact and asked about the fictitious daughter.
The communications became increasingly sexual in nature. For example, when Kuntz learned that the “daughter” was described as being 12 years old, he stated he “could have a lot of fun with her.” On November 21, 2024, Kuntz suggested switching to a more secure application and both parties moved their conversation there. To demonstrate his intent, Kuntz sent a video lasting about 45 seconds showing a female between the ages of 12 and 14 removing her swimsuit and exposing herself to the camera.
The following day, after further communication during which Kuntz indicated that “6-14 is the money range I think,” he distributed another video lasting approximately 56 seconds depicting a minor female performing oral sex on an adult.
Law enforcement traced these communications back to Kuntz and executed a search at his residence in Billings. A review of his electronic devices uncovered the referenced communications as well as additional child pornography materials.
Kuntz admitted during an interview with law enforcement that he was responsible for the communications and had previously shared images and videos.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case while the FBI conducted the investigation.
“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC,” according to the statement from authorities.
