Former North Dakota Senator Ray Holmberg sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for child sex tourism

During his sentencing Wednesday, former North Dakota state Senator Ray Holmberg, 81, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for child sex tourism in Prague between 2011 and 2016. U.S. Judge Daniel Hovland imposed a sentence significantly longer than prosecutors’ recommendation, calling Holmberg’s actions “vile” and “despicable.” Holmberg pleaded guilty and apologized, attributing his behavior to “hubris, pride and arrogance.” The sentencing stems from investigations that began after his connections to another individual charged with child sex abuse materials were revealed. Holmberg, who represented Grand Forks from 1977 to 2022, has 14 days to appeal the decision.