A former influential figure in North Dakota’s political scene, ex-state senator Ray Holmberg, was sentenced on Wednesday to 10 years in prison. The verdict was the outcome of his guilty plea to traveling to Europe intending to pay for sexual encounters with minors. The hearing, held in Fargo, North Dakota, was reported to have lasted seven hours and included victim statements along with a remorseful admission from the 81-year-old Holmberg.
Although defense and prosecution agreed that Holmberg would serve roughly three years due to his advanced age and declining health, Federal Judge Daniel Hovland handed down a longer sentence. Judge Hovland deemed Holmberg a continued threat to minors, describing his character as “egregious and despicable.” He argued that a reduced sentence of 37 months would not sufficiently deter similar criminal activity.
Throughout hearings and court documents, it was revealed that Holmberg traveled repeatedly—at least 14 times between 2011 and 2021—to Prague, Czech Republic, allegedly to engage in illicit activities with adolescent boys. Last year, Holmberg confessed in court to paying young male masseuses and admitted to having engaged in sexual conduct with some. However, he maintained that he was uncertain of their exact ages.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl described Holmberg’s deeds as assaults on the dignity of many young boys. Following these developments, leaders within the North Dakota Legislature classified Holmberg’s actions as “evil,” promising more resources for law enforcement to combat sexual offenses and human trafficking.
Holmberg’s long tenure of 45 years in the North Dakota Senate ended with his resignation in 2022. This came after revelations of his extensive communication with a jailed individual in connection to child sexual abuse material. In his legislative role, Holmberg chaired influential committees including the Senate’s budget-writing committee.
Records indicate Holmberg’s extensive travels since 1999, including dozens of trips within the U.S. and internationally to locations such as Canada, Puerto Rico, and Norway. Among these, one trip to Prague was reportedly funded by the state, under the guise of a teacher exchange program, a fact presented during legal proceedings.
Prosecutor narratives also exposed incidences linking Holmberg to inappropriate conduct while exploiting his influential status. One example involved bringing a University of North Dakota student to events with state leaders under the pretense of facilitating access, while expecting sexual favors in return. Further scrutiny revealed Holmberg’s history of inappropriate online interactions, particularly with a Canadian teenager. In 2012 and 2013, he manipulated the 16-year-old into sending explicit images by posing as a teenage peer.
Tragically, this young man ended his life in 2021, which Klemetsrud Puhl suspects was exacerbated by Holmberg’s actions. The lack of transparency regarding this relationship adds further complexity to Holmberg’s case.
Former U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon highlighted the lengthy period over which Holmberg engaged in predatory behavior, identifying and exploiting vulnerable young men for his selfish desires. Such evidence, presented to the court, underscores Holmberg’s long-standing history and the pervasive nature of his misconduct.