By Matt Underwood Former North Dakota Senator Ray Holmberg’s sentencing to 10 years in prison for a sex crime underscores the gravity of his actions and the far-reaching consequences of his abuse of power. The 81-year-old Holmberg, a Republican who served for 45 years, admitted to traveling to Prague fourteen times between 2011 and 2021 to engage in sexual acts with underage boys. His admission, made in court, painted a disturbing picture of predatory behavior facilitated by his position of influence.
The judge, in handing down a sentence exceeding federal guidelines, described Holmberg’s actions as “egregious and despicable,” highlighting the severe and lasting harm inflicted on the victims. The 10-year sentence, considering Holmberg’s age, virtually guarantees he will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated. This lengthy sentence reflects the court’s recognition that this was not an isolated incident but a pattern of criminal behavior. His actions were not victimless, as emotional testimony from two men who were victimized by Holmberg—one in the 1990s, the other as a cooperating witness—demonstrated.
Holmberg’s case is inextricably linked to that of Nicholas Morgan-Derosier, a Grand Forks man sentenced to 40 years on child pornography charges. This connection further emphasizes the network of abuse and the potential for individuals in positions of power to exploit vulnerable populations. The sheer number of trips Holmberg made to Prague, each with the explicit intent of seeking out underage boys for sexual encounters, reveals a deeply ingrained pattern of predatory behavior. The casual way he referenced procuring sex with minors in a message to a cooperating witness, mentioning the price of “boys” and noting that “sex is extra,” is chilling in its nonchalance.
The details of the case paint a disturbing portrait of Holmberg’s calculated actions. His role as Senate Appropriations Committee chair and head of Legislative Management provided him with power and access, likely used to groom victims and further facilitate his abusive behavior. His resignation from the Legislature in 2022, following the unfolding investigation, did not diminish the severity of his crimes, nor did it lessen the harm already done. The indictment on federal charges in October 2023 and the subsequent conviction solidified the seriousness of his actions.
This case is unfortunately not unique. It highlights a pattern of abuse often associated with individuals in positions of power. While Holmberg’s political affiliation is frequently mentioned in discussions surrounding this case, it’s crucial to remember that sexual abuse is a bipartisan issue. While numerous examples of political figures, regardless of affiliation, accused of or convicted of sexual crimes are often cited, the gravity of Holmberg’s actions should not be minimized or diminished. The pervasive nature of child sexual abuse necessitates a comprehensive approach, beyond political affiliations.
The focus must remain on the victims and the justice they deserve. Holmberg’s conviction and sentence should serve as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance, stronger protections for vulnerable populations, and a unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous crimes. The length of his sentence, and the judge’s comments, clearly reflect the court’s condemnation of his predatory actions and a desire to see justice served to the fullest extent. The sentence reflects a desire for a level of accountability that sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The pervasive nature of this problem should not be underestimated. Holmberg’s case serves as a reminder that this issue transcends political boundaries and demands a comprehensive societal response. The long prison sentence serves not only to punish the offender but also to provide a measure of justice for his victims and to hopefully deter others from similar actions. It remains to be seen whether this outcome will lead to meaningful reforms and prevent future instances of similar abuses of power.