Holmberg ordered to surrender to US Marshals November 1

FARGO (KVRR) – A federal judge has ordered former North Dakota State Senator Ray Holmberg to surrender to U.S. Marshals on Nov. 1.

Holmberg has pleaded guilty to traveling overseas to have sex with children.

“Since the entry of a guilty plea on August 8, 2024, Holmberg’s overall conduct does not equate with a good faith effort to fully adhere to all of the conditions of his release while awaiting sentencing,” according to U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland.

Until he is sentenced, the 80-year-old Grand Forks Republican had been allowed to remain on release with conditions due to “exceptional circumstances.” Those include his advanced age and health conditions requiring medication and multiple appointments.

But prosecutors say Holmberg violated the terms of his release several times by accessing the Internet and visiting a home in Fargo without prior authorization.

Defense attorney Mark Friese has said Holmberg’s online activity consisted of looking at family photos and reading news commentary about his trial on social media. Holmberg has since deleted his Facebook account. The home Holmberg visited in Fargo is his sister’s.

“More important, even if he had fully complied with all such conditions, that would not constitute ‘exceptional reasons’ to avoid mandatory detention,” Hovland wrote.

“Accordingly, the Defendant shall voluntarily surrender to the United States Marshals Service in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, November 1, 2024, on or before 1:00pm.”