Kummer Gets 10 Years for Child Porn

MINOCQUA, WI – Matthew Kummer, 49, of Minocqua, Wisconsin, will spend the next decade behind bars after being sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a horrifying cache of child pornography. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley handed down the sentence today, followed by a 15-year term of supervised release, solidifying a harsh penalty for a sickening crime. This isn’t Kummer’s first offense; a prior child pornography conviction weighed heavily on the judge’s decision.

The bust went down on October 27, 2019, when law enforcement raided Kummer’s Minocqua residence. What they found wasn’t just disturbing, it was massive. Authorities seized laptops, hard drives, and various storage devices. A forensic analysis revealed a staggering 17,000+ images depicting the sexual abuse of children. But the depravity didn’t stop there.

Investigators also uncovered a disturbing pattern of behavior: Kummer had been secretly filming young girls in swimsuits at local parks, beaches, and amusement parks. These covert recordings, a chilling extension of his obsession, painted a picture of a predator meticulously documenting his exploitation. The fact that Kummer actively sought out and created this material significantly impacted the severity of his sentence.

U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader for the Western District of Wisconsin made the announcement, emphasizing the gravity of the offense. “The possession of child pornography is a horrific crime that exploits vulnerable victims,” Blader stated. “We will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who engage in this reprehensible behavior.” The 10-year sentence reflects the severity of Kummer’s actions and the commitment to protecting children.

The investigation was a coordinated effort by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the police departments of Rhinelander, Minocqua, and Woodruff. These agencies worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against Kummer, ensuring he faced justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the significant sentence.

Kummer’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of society and the relentless work of law enforcement to combat child exploitation. While a decade in prison offers a measure of accountability, the damage inflicted upon the victims will undoubtedly last a lifetime. This case highlights the critical need for vigilance and reporting of suspected child abuse to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.

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