Holmberg Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Exploitation

Former North Dakota state Senator Ray Holmberg has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for traveling overseas to sexually abuse children, significantly exceeding the sentencing guidelines of 37 to 46 months. Judge Daniel Hovland deemed Holmberg's actions as heinous and a 37-month sentence insufficient, considering him a continuing threat to minors. Holmberg, aged 81, pleaded guilty to charges related to traveling to Prague for sexual exploitation over 14 trips from 2011 to 2021, and his defense cited his age and health as reasons for house arrest instead of prison. Despite pleas for leniency, the court emphasized the gravity of his crimes and the need for deterrence. Following his prison term, Holmberg will face a decade of supervised release. The case has prompted North Dakota legislative leaders to consider enhanced resources for combating sexual crimes and human trafficking.