In a major development that has shocked North Dakota and the national political world, former long-serving Republican State Senator Ray Holmberg has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
The 81-year-old former lawmaker, who served in the North Dakota Senate for over 45 years, pleaded guilty last year to federal charges related to traveling abroad for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland handed down the 10-year sentence on March 26, 2025, in Fargo, describing the case as serious and noting that Holmberg posed an ongoing threat.
According to court documents and the U.S. Department of Justice, Holmberg made approximately 14 trips to Prague in the Czech Republic between 2011 and 2021. During these trips, he paid for sex acts with minor boys at a brothel that catered to such exploitation.
Holmberg used an alias during some of the trips and was also connected to other serious allegations involving exploitation of vulnerable individuals in North Dakota.
The investigation began after federal authorities received information about his activities abroad. Holmberg resigned from the Senate in 2022 after the allegations surfaced.
This case marks one of the most significant falls from grace for a longtime North Dakota political figure.
The sentencing has prompted widespread discussion about accountability for public officials and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
Our thoughts are with all victims and their families affected by these crimes.
We will continue to follow any further developments in this case.