GRAND FORKS, N.D. — An active-duty U.S. Air Force service member is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he attempted to meet with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl following sexually explicit online communications.
Christopher Adrian Nunez, 31, of Grand Forks, has been charged with luring a minor by computer or electronic means (Class B felony) and solicitation of a minor under 15 (Class C felony), according to records filed in Grand Forks County.
Investigators with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to exploit minors online. According to a declaration of probable cause, an undercover agent posed as a 14-year-old female and made contact with Nunez electronically.
Authorities allege Nunez engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the undercover persona before traveling to a pre-arranged meeting location with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Upon arrival, he was detained by Security Forces and OSI agents at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Booking information from the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office indicates Nunez is being held on a $5,000 bond, with the option of cash or surety. The charges stem from incidents reported on April 30 and May 2, 2026.
Nunez made an initial court appearance on May 4 and remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for mid-June, with further proceedings expected later this year. Court records show he is currently representing himself.
The Salty Soldier reached out to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs Office to confirm Nunez’s duty status, rank, and unit assignment, but has not yet received a response.
Under North Dakota law, luring a minor by computer involves using electronic communication to attempt to engage a person believed to be under the age of 15 in sexual activity. Solicitation of a minor carries additional penalties based on the age of the intended victim.
The case highlights continued law enforcement efforts—both civilian and military—to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to exploit minors through online platforms.
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