Judge grants delay in Holmberg sex crimes trial, new start date is September 9

FARGO (KVRR) – A federal judge has granted a defense request to delay the trial of former state Sen. Ray Holmberg on sex trafficking charges.

Attorney Mark Friese requested the delay because of new computer evidence that needs to be reviewed.

Earlier this week, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation said it was able to recover some of former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s state emails, but Friese says the request has nothing to do with those developments.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley says it will take time to determine whether the emails will play any role in the investigation of Holmberg, a close friend of Stenehjem.

Holmberg is accused of traveling overseas to have sex with underage boys. He was originally scheduled to go to trial April 29 in Fargo. The trial is now scheduled to begin September 9.

“The Court finds there is good cause to continue the trial, and the ends of justice served by taking such action outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial,” U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland wrote.