Anthon, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

Robert J. Fundermann, 50, from Anthon, Iowa, pled guilty February 5, 2026, to one count of distribution of child pornography, in federal court in Sioux City.

At the plea hearing, Fundermann admitted that from about April 2023 through April 2025, he distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions of child pornography. Evidence further showed that Fundermann was grooming a 17-year-old in order to obtain images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic review of Fundermann's phone showed he possessed 54 images and 98 videos of child pornography, involving material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. The investigation in the case also revealed that Fundermann was previously investigated for soliciting nude images from a minor in 2019. He successfully completed a deferred judgement in that case to a charge of Disseminating Obscene Material to Minor -1st Offense in 2020.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/pscLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/pscLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. and click on the tab "resources."

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Fundermann remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Fundermann faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.plLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

The case file number is 25-4039.

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