Billings Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charges

BILLINGS — A 41-year-old Billings man pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of distributing child pornography, facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

Kole David Kuntz admitted to two counts of distribution of child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. Each count carries a potential sentence of 5 to 20 years imprisonment, up to $250,000 in fines, and supervised release ranging from five years to life.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine Kuntz’s sentence after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Kuntz was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

Undercover Investigation

According to court documents, the case began in November 2024 when federal law enforcement created an undercover online persona on social media, posing as an adult male with a minor daughter.

Kuntz contacted the undercover account and inquired about the fictitious daughter. Court documents state that conversations became increasingly sexual, with Kuntz indicating he “could have a lot of fun with her” after learning the “daughter” was 12 years old.

On November 21, 2024, Kuntz suggested moving their conversation to a more secure messaging application. To prove he was “serious,” prosecutors say Kuntz sent a 45-second video showing a female between 12 and 14 years old removing her swimsuit and exposing herself.

The following day, after indicating that “6-14 is the money range I think,” Kuntz distributed a second video showing a minor female performing oral sex on an adult, according to court documents.

Search and Confession

Federal agents traced the communications to Kuntz and executed a search warrant at his Billings residence. A review of his electronic devices revealed the communications described in court documents.

During questioning, Kuntz admitted to law enforcement that he was responsible for the communications and had previously shared similar images and videos.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus, with the FBI conducting the investigation.

Project Safe Childhood

This prosecution was conducted under Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children online while working to identify and rescue victims.