A former state senator from North Dakota, Ray Holmberg, has been indicted on federal charges of traveling to Prague to rape a minor and receive images of child sexual abuse. Holmberg, who served as the state senator for the longest period in North Dakota’s history, stepped down last year after revelations that he had engaged in text conversations with a man imprisoned for child pornography. He was arrested on Monday morning.
The charges against Holmberg were filed on October 26 and were obtained by KFGO on Monday. This comes two years after law enforcement officials searched his residence in Grand Forks and seized video discs and other items. According to the Associated Press, Holmberg had been reimbursed approximately $126,000 for almost 70 trips outside the state from 2013 to 2022. These trips included visits to four dozen U.S. cities, China, Canada, Puerto Rico, and several European countries.
In March 2022, Holmberg announced that he would not seek reelection and later resigned from his position. He cited stress and a diminished ability to concentrate on important matters and remember events effectively as reasons for his decision. The Daily Beast has also reported on this case.
This shocking indictment and arrest further highlight the disturbing allegations surrounding Holmberg’s actions and raise serious concerns about the potential exploitation of minors. Authorities will undoubtedly continue their investigation to ensure justice is served in this case.
