• 58-year-old Robert B. Knuth, assistant chief of the Minot Rural Fire Department, arrested Thursday
• Charged with one count of possession of certain materials prohibited and two counts of use of a minor in a sexual performance
• Held on $5,000 bond with initial court appearance set for Friday at 2 p.m.
• Arrest followed law enforcement operation at a Ward County residence involving multiple agencies
Minot, N.D. – The assistant chief of the Minot Rural Fire Department was arrested Thursday in a child pornography investigation.
Formal charges have been filed against 58-year-old Robert B. Knuth. He faces one count of possession of certain materials prohibited and two counts of use of a minor in a sexual performance.
Knuth was held on a $5,000 bond, according to the jail roster. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m.
Videos and photos circulated on social media showing a law enforcement operation Thursday afternoon at a residence in Ward County. The operation involved Ward County deputies, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security agents.
The Minot Rural Fire Chief declined to comment when reached for a statement. Special prosecutor Jeremy Ensrud has been assigned to the case.
This remains an ongoing investigation, with additional records expected once formally filed.
Authorities continue to move forward with the case against the Minot Rural Fire Department assistant chief following Thursday’s arrest and the multi-agency operation in Ward County. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available through the court process.