Disgraced ND Senator Ray Holmberg Faces Child Abuse Charges

Clear Facts

• Former North Dakota Senator, Ray Holmberg, is set to plead guilty to a federal charge of travelling to Europe to participate in illegal sexual activities with minors, using taxpayer-funded flights. This activity reportedly occurred between June 2011 and November 2016.
• Holmberg was also accused of receiving or attempting to receive child pornography between November 2012 and March 2013. If convicted, these offenses might result in a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
• Holmberg resigned from his Senator position in Spring 2022. In August 2021, he allegedly exchanged around 72 text messages with suspect Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier, who was in prison on child pornography and sex abuse crimes.

The alarming story of a former North Dakota Senator has raised much concern.

Ray Holmberg, an 80-year-old disgraced Republican senator, is expected to enter a guilty plea to charges of travelling to Europe to partake in illegal sexual activities with minors.

The indictment against Holmberg indicates he committed these acts during his taxpayer-funded trips to Prague, Czech Republic, from around June 2011 to November 2016.

Reports reveal that “Holmberg was also accused of receiving or attempting to receive child porn between November 2012 and March 2013.” Despite initially pleading not guilty in October, Holmberg signed a plea agreement last week, filed in the North Dakota U.S. District Court.

His trial is scheduled for September, with the charges carrying a maximum 30-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.

In a surprising development, Holmberg resigned his senatorial position in Spring 2022. Citing stress and “a weakened ability to concentrate on the matters at hand and effectively recall events,” the grandfather of five stepped down from his position.

Concerning allegations surfaced that “he had exchanged approximately 72 text messages in August 2021 with suspect Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier, who was in prison on child pornography and sex abuse crimes.” Holmberg claimed the messages related to “a variety of things,” including patio work by Morgan-Derosier.

Morgan-Derosier, owner of Team Lawn and a convicted criminal, is currently serving time at the Grand Forks County jail.

In his plea agreement, Holmberg’s prosecutors will suggest the lowest end of the sentencing guideline range. They are also expected to dismiss his other charge of receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material.

Holmberg’s attorney, Mark Friese, stated that “prosecutors will likely recommend a prison sentence of three to four years.” Under the plea deal, Holmberg will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Serving on the senate from 1976 to 2022, Holmberg was the longest-tenured state senator in the U.S. Throughout his tenure, he held significant positions such as the chairman of the Legislative Management Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Holmberg traveled to over 30 states and countries using public funds since 1999. His destinations included Canada, Puerto Rico, Norway, and notably, Prague, Czech Republic, Amsterdam, and Berlin.

These trips were arranged through the Germany-based Global Bridges teacher exchange program, funded by the North Dakota Legislature.

As a result of the investigation, approximately $142,000 was returned to the state by The North Dakota School Boards Association.

It remains unclear whether any of the alleged wrongdoings occurred during these trips as investigations continue.

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