Robert Knuth

The assistant chief of the Minot Rural Fire Department made his initial appearance in North Central District Court on Friday after being charged with three felonies stemming from a child pornography investigation.

Robert B. Knuth, 58, Minot, appeared in court via ITV before Judge Todd Cresap for his initial appearance on two counts of use of a minor in a sexual performance, a Class A felony, and possession of certain materials prohibited, a Class B felony.

According to court documents, the investigation into Knuth began on March 26 when a N.D. Bureau of Criminal Investigation special agent was conducting a fraud investigation and discovered what appeared to be child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Knuth’s former work phone from his time as the head of training for the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association. Knuth reportedly had resigned from the position and turned his phone in before it was turned over as a part of the fraud investigation.

BCI agents located 19 images of CSAM, which were described as screenshots of video calls involving children as young as 6 years old and who appeared to be of Asian descent. Additional screenshots found by investigators showed evidence of money transfers to individuals in the Philippines and Vietnam.

A search warrant was executed on Thursday April 16, and Knuth was detained and transported to his home for an interview.

According to court documents, Knuth admitted to sending money to two different female adults who provided their children to be nude on live video chats. Knuth further admitted to investigators he had created the 19 screenshots and identified the two women who he paid for the video chats. According to court documents, Knuth admitted to additionally sending money on an encrypted chat application to an unknown user to join a group chat in which CSAM was sent to him.

Special Ward County prosecutor Jeremy Ensrud requested a bond of $100,000, noting more charges could be filed in the case as the investigation continues. Cresap granted the state’s recommendation on the grounds of ensuring public safety both locally in Minot as well as overseas in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Following the hearing, The North Dakota Firefighter’s Association released a statement clarifying Knuth hadn’t served a role with the association since April 2025, despite some media reports identifying him as a current NDFA leader.

“These allegations are deeply concerning and wholly inconsistent with the core values of the fire service, and the trust placed in us by the communities we serve. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” the statement read. “The NDFA remains committed to transparency, accountability and upholding the highest ethical standards within the fire service.”

Knuth’s preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 20 at 1 p.m. Knuth indicated to the court he would be applying for a public defender.