BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Ray Holmberg, an influential former North Dakota lawmaker, is facing sentencing for his involvement in sexual exploitation of minors, particularly for traveling to Europe with the intent to pay for sex with young boys. The 81-year-old former state senator pleaded guilty to federal charges last year, and prosecutors are recommending a prison sentence of approximately three years, followed by lifetime supervised release. He currently faces potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Recent court documents reveal troubling details about Holmberg's actions over the decades, showcasing how he utilized his former roles as a high school guidance counselor and state lawmaker to exploit vulnerable young men. Prosecutors presented evidence indicating he arranged sexual encounters with youths while traveling—often on state business trips—and communicated with them through a variety of methods, including an alias, to hide his intentions.
One distressing case mentioned in court documents involves a Canadian teenager who was manipulated by Holmberg into sending sexually explicit images. Tragically, this young man took his own life, raising questions about Holmberg's influence and the consequences of his actions. The acting U.S. Attorney, Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl, indicated that such behavior was part of a broader pattern that warranted significant legal repercussions.
Holmberg has been in custody in Minnesota since November of the previous year, awaiting sentencing. His attorney, Mark Friese, has requested a lighter sentence citing his age and health issues. He argued that Holmberg has endured nearly a year under house arrest and would have already served 145 days in custody by the time of the sentencing. In contrast, prosecutors have painted a grim picture of Holmberg's decades-long pattern of exploitation, characterizing it as corruption stemming from his abuse of power.
Holmberg's travel to Prague is particularly noteworthy, as he made at least 14 trips between 2011 and 2021, during which he reportedly visited a brothel that catered to adolescent boys, some of whom were homeless. This aspect of the case underscores the alleged premeditated nature of Holmberg's crimes as he sought out vulnerable individuals in foreign locations for sexual exploitation.
In his plea agreement from the previous year, Holmberg admitted to repeatedly traveling from Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Prague with the intent of engaging in sexual activities with individuals under 18. His attorney contends that while Holmberg acknowledged his violations of federal law, there is no confirmed evidence that he engaged in sexual acts for money with any minors.
The significant ramifications of Holmberg's actions have led to increased scrutiny regarding who among his associates might have been aware of his behavior. Observers, including former U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon, have raised concerns about the culture of silence that may have allowed such exploitation to continue unchallenged. Holmberg’s longstanding career in the North Dakota Senate, where he held various influential positions, including chairing the Senate Appropriations Committee, has prompted discussions about the complicity of others in his misconduct.
Holmberg served in the North Dakota Senate from 1976 until his resignation in 2022, following revelations of text message exchanges related to child sexual abuse material. His case has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and the responsibilities of those in power to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
