FARGO, N.D. — A federal judge has recently mandated that a former influential North Dakota legislator begin serving his jail sentence for allegedly violating the conditions of his temporary release while he awaits sentencing for a child sex crime.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland issued the order for Ray Holmberg, an 80-year-old from Grand Forks, to report to the U.S. Marshals Service in Fargo by 1 p.m. on Friday.

In October 2023, Holmberg was indicted and later entered a guilty plea in August, admitting he intended to engage in illegal sexual activities. According to the plea agreement, he acknowledged having paid young male masseurs for sexual interactions during several trips to the Czech Republic, all while maintaining uncertainty about the ages of the individuals involved.

A member of the Republican Party, Holmberg served for over 45 years in the North Dakota Senate before resigning in 2022 in the wake of a federal investigation.

During the August hearing, Judge Hovland allowed Holmberg to remain out of custody but with certain restrictions due to his age and health issues. However, prosecutors detailed instances in court documents where Holmberg failed to comply with these conditions, such as using social media and visiting a home in Fargo without prior approval.

According to Judge Hovland’s ruling, “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.”

Holmberg’s legal representative, Mark Friese, opted not to provide any comments regarding the ruling.

Currently, a sentencing date has not been established. Holmberg faces a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, along with a fine that could reach $250,000.