Ex-North Dakota State Sen. Charged with Child Sex Abuse
Former North Dakota Republican State Senator Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Child Sex Abuse Charges
A former North Dakota Republican state senator, Ray Holmberg, pleaded not guilty to federal child sex abuse charges on Monday. This comes months after Holmberg resigned following a report that revealed he allegedly texted a man in jail for possessing child pornography.
Holmberg, 79, one of the nation’s longest-serving state senators, is facing charges in U.S. District Court in Fargo. The charges include traveling to Europe with the intent of paying for sex with a minor and receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography, according to the Department of Justice.
Court documents allege that Holmberg traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, from June 2011 through November 2016 for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts with a minor. The indictment also suggests that Holmberg received material depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct from November 2012 to March 2013.
Mark Friese, Holmberg’s attorney, told The Associated Press that authorities investigated his client for more than two years and alleged nothing recent. The conduct they allege is from more than a decade ago. Friese added that Holmberg was released with conditions and was not required to post any bond.
If convicted, Holmberg faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. The trial is set for December 5.
Holmberg served more than 45 years in North Dakota until his resignation in April 2022. His resignation came after The Forum, a local newspaper, reported that he exchanged 72 text messages with a landscaper named Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier, who was jailed on charges of possessing child pornography. Morgan-Derosier pleaded guilty to seven counts of possession and distribution of child pornography in September.
According to an Associated Press review of Holmberg’s travel records, the ex-lawmaker received approximately $126,000 in reimbursements for about 70 out-of-state trips between 2013 and April 2022. His travels included four dozen U.S. cities, Canada, Puerto Rico, and several European countries.
In 2021, authorities seized video discs and additional items from Holmberg’s residence in Grand Forks.
Former North Dakota Republican Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, who served alongside Holmberg for nearly 25 years, expressed concern that if Holmberg is convicted, his positive contributions to the state will be overshadowed by the negative. Wardner stated, “Here’s a situation where a man was a public servant and did a lot of positive things for the state of North Dakota, and now, I don’t know what’s going to come of this thing, but this really neutralizes all the good.”
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What steps should political parties take when members are accused of serious crimes like child sex abuse to protect their reputation and the public trust
Etrieved and attempted to retrieve child pornography using his computer and other electronic devices.
If convicted, Holmberg could face up to 30 years in prison for each count of child pornography, along with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for each count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Holmberg’s plea of not guilty comes as a surprise to many, considering the substantial evidence against him. The revelation of the alleged text messages with a man in jail for possessing child pornography further strengthens the case against him.
The former senator’s resignation in light of these accusations was a damning acknowledgment of his guilt. It also highlighted the seriousness of the charges he now faces. Holmberg had served as a state senator for an impressive length of time, but his political career has now come to a disgraceful end.
Child sex abuse is a heinous crime that leaves lifelong scars on its victims, and it is essential that those responsible are held accountable. The justice system must ensure a fair and thorough investigation, and if the evidence proves Holmberg’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he must face the appropriate consequences.
Cases like these serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their status or past achievements. It is crucial for societies to consistently address and combat child sex abuse to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The charges against Holmberg tarnish not only his individual reputation but also the reputation of the Republican Party in North Dakota. It is imperative that political parties take swift and decisive action against members accused of such egregious crimes. They must distance themselves from individuals who betray the public trust, ensuring that they are not allowed to continue representing the party or holding positions of authority.
In conclusion, the plea of not guilty from former North Dakota Republican state senator Ray Holmberg has shocked many. The evidence against him is substantial, and the allegations of child sex abuse are extremely serious. If found guilty, he must face the long-awaited justice that his victims deserve. Furthermore, political parties must take responsibility for the actions of their members and take immediate action when serious accusations like these arise. Child sex abuse is a grave issue that demands our attention, and we must strive to protect the most vulnerable members of our society from harm.
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