Holmberg sentenced to 10 years in prison, legislative leaders react

FARGO (KVRR) – Former state Senator Ray Holmberg, who pleaded guilty to traveling overseas with intent to engage in commercial sexual activity, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced Holmberg following a lengthy sentencing hearing in a packed courtroom that included testimony from prosecution and defense witnesses.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl recommended that the 81-year-old Holmberg serve at least 37 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised released.

Defense attorney Mark Friese asked that Holmberg be kept out of prison and be sentenced to house arrest due to his age and poor health.

Holmberg is a Republican from Grand Forks. He was once a powerful member of the North Dakota Legislature, where he served for 45 years before he resigned in 2022.

The Justice Department says Holberg would travel to Prague where he paid to sexually exploit young boys.

They says he used the alias “Sean Evans” since he didn’t want his name on a brothel’s registry.

He traveled to Prague 14 times over ten years while he was elected.

They say while back home, he boasted about sex acts with boys as young as 12.

STATEMENT FROM NORTH DAKOTA HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERSHIP:

Today U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced former state senator Ray Holmberg for his admitted crimes against innocent and vulnerable young boys and men. The presentence investigation made public describes in detail Holmberg’s pattern of pedophilia and
misuse of his public office to satisfy his depraved sexual cravings. This report is deeply disturbing and an inexcusable violation of the public trust Holmberg held as a public official. His actions represent a profound moral failing and a betrayal of the responsibilities that come
with public service. We support the full measure of justice being brought against him today. There can be no tolerance for those who exploit the vulnerable.

We cannot know the victims of his heinous crimes, but our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We hope those victims and their families might feel a measure of justice and relief from today’s sentencing.

As public officials, we have a duty to ensure the power entrusted to us is never abused or used for anything other than serving the people we represent. We take this responsibility very seriously. Situations like this demand reflection, accountability, and action. We are actively
reviewing our legislative travel policies to determine whether those policies may be used to conceal criminal activity. Strengthening trust in government is an ongoing process, and we are committed to doing the work necessary to ensure there is transparency for legislative travel.

The ND Senate and ND House are committed to providing additional resources to law enforcement to help combat increases in criminal sexual assaults and human trafficking. Last session, the Legislature approved funding for three new Bureau of Criminal Investigation
agents whose focus is on cybercrime. Currently, the ND Senate is considering funding for victim advocates as well as additional law enforcement cybercrime agents who will identify and arrest perpetrators who prey on children via social media and other online tools.

Ray Holmberg’s evil crimes require reflection and careful review of policy to determine how best to combat crimes against children. In the coming months, we intend to do that with sober judgment and a firm resolve.

David Hogue                         Kathy Hogan
Senate Majority Leader                 Senate Minority Leader

Mike Lefor                           Jerry Klein
House Majority Leader                Assistant Senate Majority Leader

Glenn Bosch                         Josh Boschee
Assistant House Majority Leader        Assistant Senate Minority Leader

Kristin Roers                         Jeremy Olson
Senate Majority Caucus Leader      House Majority Caucus Leader

Ryan Braunberger
Senate Minority Caucus Leader