GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that the service member arrested in a North Dakota undercover sting operation targeting alleged online child predators is a commissioned officer assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base.
In a statement provided to The Salty Soldier, the Air Force identified the accused as 2nd Lt. Christopher Nunez, an active-duty airman assigned to the 319th Operations Support Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
“2 Lt. Christopher Nunez, an Active-Duty airman assigned to the 319th Operations Support Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base, was arrested and charged May 2, 2026, by civilian authorities,” said Senior Master Sgt. Breeann R. Sachs, Public Affairs Chief for the 319th Reconnaissance Wing.
“This matter is being handled through the appropriate legal channels. We take all allegations seriously and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. We cannot comment further on pending legal proceedings.”
Nunez, 31, was previously charged in Grand Forks County with felony counts of luring a minor by computer or electronic means and solicitation of a minor under 15 after investigators alleged he communicated online with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
According to court documents, the investigation involved an undercover operation conducted by the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). Investigators allege Nunez exchanged sexually explicit messages with an undercover agent posing as a minor before traveling to meet the supposed child for sexual activity.
Authorities say he was detained by Security Forces and OSI personnel upon arriving at the meeting location.
The confirmation that Nunez is a commissioned officer assigned to the 319th Operations Support Squadron adds another layer of scrutiny to the case, particularly given the leadership expectations placed on officers within the military.
Grand Forks Air Force Base is home to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, a unit heavily involved in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions supporting global Air Force operations.
The Air Force declined to provide additional information regarding Nunez’s current duty status, whether administrative or disciplinary action has been initiated, or whether he remains assigned to the unit pending the outcome of civilian proceedings.
Nunez remains in custody in Grand Forks County on a $5,000 bond. Further court proceedings are scheduled later this year.
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