Ray Holmberg

{{short description|American criminal, politician, and educator (born 1944)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox criminal | name = Ray Holmberg | image = Ray Holmberg 2021.png | alt = A monochrome portrait photo of a man with short grey hair, wearing a suit coat and tie; he is looking and looking straight into the camera with a happy expression. | caption = Holmberg in 2021 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1944|12|10}} | other_names = {{unbulleted list|Sean Evan|Sean Evans}} | occupation = {{hlist|Educator|counselor|legislator|chairman}} | party = Republican | criminal_charges = Child sex tourism | conviction = August 8, 2024 (pleaded guilty) | criminal_penalty = 10 years in prison, 10 years supervised release, lifetime registration as sex offender | criminal_status = Imprisoned at FMC Rochester; earliest possible release May 8, 2033 | spouse = {{marriage|Kerry Louise Hackett|1973-04-27|1986}} | children = 2 | module = {{Infobox state senator |embed=yes | state_senate = North Dakota | district = 17th | term_start = December 1, 1976 | term_end = June 1, 2022 | predecessor = N/A<ref name="2021-06-08 Grand Forks Herald" /> | successor = Jonathan Sickler }} | signature = Raymon Everett Holmberg signature.png }}

'''Raymon Everett Holmberg''' (born December 10, 1944) is a convicted child sex offender and American politician (tied for the longest-serving state legislator in the United States). He previously worked as an educator, school counselor and Republican North Dakota state senator.

Holmberg resigned from the Senate in 2022 (after {{age in decimal years|1976-12-01|2022-06-01}}) upon investigation into his child sex tourism and receipt of child pornography. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to the sex tourism charges then in 2025 was sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

==Personal life==  Raymon Everett Holmberg<ref name="2023-10-26 United States of America v. Raymon Everett Holmberg" /> was born on December 10, 1944.<ref name="2020-12-10 Grand Forks Herald" /> He had at least one sibling, a sister.<ref name="2024-10-17 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" /> He attended Climax High School in Climax, Minnesota, and was one of 26 senior-class students in the 1960–1961 academic year.<ref name="1961 The Viking" /> He married Kerry Louise Hackett (born {{birth based on age as of date|22|1973|04|26|noage=1}}) of Grand Forks, North Dakota on April 27, 1973<ref name="1973-04-27 Grand Forks County Equalization" /> and they divorced in mid-1986.<ref name="1986-07-02 Grand Forks Herald" /> {{As of|2013}}, Holmberg had two children and five grandchildren.<ref name="North Dakota Legislative Council: Senator Ray Holmberg" /> In December 2020, he contracted COVID-19 and was treated with a convalescent plasma injection.<ref name="2020-12-10 Grand Forks Herald" /><ref name="2021-06-08 Grand Forks Herald" />

==Career== ===Education=== From 1967 to 2002, Holmberg worked for Grand Forks Public Schools as a teacher, "child find coordinator" and school counselor. On November 2, 2023, a North Dakota Department of Public Instruction panel voted unanimously to suspend his lifetime teaching license with a plan "to revoke it immediately if he pleads guilty to or is convicted of any charge" in his 2023 criminal case.<ref name="2023-11-02 AP" />

He was also previously a chairman of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.<ref name="North Dakota Legislative Council: Senator Ray Holmberg" />

===Politics=== Holmberg was first elected as a Republican to the North Dakota Senate in 1976 and took office that December 1, representing District 17 ("Grand Forks south of 32nd Avenue South, neighborhoods along the Red River and large areas west and south of the city").<ref name="2021-06-08 Grand Forks Herald" /> He was to have been one of North Dakota's three electors for certifying the 2020 United States presidential election but got replaced after contracting COVID-19.<ref name="2020-12-10 Grand Forks Herald" />

For many years in office, Holmberg chaired both the senate's appropriations committee (which wrote budgets) and legislative management panel (which handled the legislature's business between biennial sessions).<ref name="2024-06-24 AP" /> While on a 2021 legislative committee to redistrict the state, Holmberg rejected a map drawing a Native American-majority district, saying it was to avoid gerrymandering. The approved redistricting map was ruled a violation of the Voting Rights Act in 2023 by Judge Peter D. Welte in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota.<ref name="2023-11-17 Grand Forks Herald" />

After the 2021 retirement of Fred Risser of the Wisconsin Senate, Holmberg was tied with Nikki G. Setzler of the South Carolina Senate for longest-serving state legislator in the United States.<ref name="2021-06-08 Grand Forks Herald" /> In 2021, Holmberg was the ''Grand Forks Herald''{{'s}} person of the year. In 2022, he was chairman of the Senate's Appropriations, Rules and Legislative Management committees while also serving on the interim Budget Section; ''The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead'' called Holmberg "one of the most powerful and popular lawmakers in the legislature".<ref name="2022-04-15 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" /> From 2013 through mid-2022, Holmberg spent more state money on travel than any other legislator ({{US$|125810}}).<ref name="2023-10-30 Grand Forks Herald" />

In June 2021, Holmberg raised about {{US$|20000|2021|long=no|round=-3|about=yes}} for his 2022 reelection campaign.<ref name="2023-11-02 Dickinson Press" /> In March 2022, Holmberg announced he would not seek reelection that year due to "health issues including weakened cognitive abilities". After an investigation was published about his communications with an inmate accused of child pornography crimes, Holmberg resigned from the Senate<ref name="2022-04-25 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" /> six months early, on June 1, 2022. He was replaced by Jonathan Sickler.<ref name="2022-06-01 KNOX" /> Despite no longer working in the North Dakota State Capitol {{as of|2023|11|lc=yes}}, Holmberg was still active in politics: offering advice and meeting with legislators to share access to his institutional knowledge, soliciting support for Republican candidates and corresponding with politicos.<ref name="2023-11-02 Dickinson Press" />

====Electoral history==== {{election box begin no change|title=2010, primary, North Dakota state senate, 17th District<ref name="2010-06-08 North Dakota Secretary of State" />}} {{election box winning candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Ray Holmberg |votes=1198 |percentage=99.34}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Write-in candidate(s) |votes=8 |percentage=0.66}} {{election box end}}

{{election box begin no change|title=2010, general, North Dakota state senate, 17th District<ref name="2010-11-02 North Dakota Secretary of State" />}} {{election box winning candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Ray Holmberg |votes=4088 |percentage=67.91}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party=North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party |candidate=Thomas Petros |votes=1915 |percentage=31.81}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party= |candidate=Write-in candidate(s) |votes=17 |percentage=0.28}} {{election box end}}

{{election box begin no change|title=2014, primary, North Dakota state senate, 17th District<ref name="2014-06-10 North Dakota Secretary of State" />}} {{election box winning candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Ray Holmberg |votes=784 |percentage=99.87}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Write-in candidate(s) |votes=1 |percentage=0.13}} {{election box end}}

{{election box begin no change|title=2014, general, North Dakota state senate, 17th District<ref name="2014-11-04 North Dakota Secretary of State" />}} {{election box winning candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Ray Holmberg |votes=4869 |percentage=97.97}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party= |candidate=Write-in candidate(s) |votes=101 |percentage=2.03}} {{election box end}}

{{election box begin no change|title=2018, primary, North Dakota state senate, 17th District<ref name="2018-06-12 North Dakota Secretary of State" />}} {{election box winning candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Ray Holmberg |votes=1519 |percentage=99.67}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Write-in candidate(s) |votes=5 |percentage=0.33}} {{election box end}}

{{election box begin no change|title=2018, general, North Dakota state senate, 17th District<ref name="2018-11-06 North Dakota Secretary of State" />}} {{election box winning candidate with party link no change |party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Ray Holmberg |votes=5176 |percentage=59.03}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party=North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party |candidate=Phyllis E Johnson |votes=3584 |percentage=40.87}} {{election box candidate with party link no change |party= |candidate=Write-in candidate(s) |votes=9 |percentage=0.10}} {{election box end}}

==Criminal charges== {{Overly detailed|section|nosplit=1|details=|date=July 2025}} ===Background=== In 2020, Caton Todd (formerly of North Dakota) alleged he was sexually assaulted by Holmberg in 2010 after getting invited to the senator's Miami-area condominium. Holmberg's attorney later confirmed the two men "were acquainted and spent time together" and that Holmberg owned the condo.<ref name="2022-04-25 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" />

Arrested in March 2021, Nicholas James Morgan-DeRosier (from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, born {{birth based on age as of date|33|2022|03|27|noage=1}})<ref name="2021-03-27 Grand Forks Herald" /> was indicted ten months later on charges of "receiving and distributing sexual abuse material, transporting child sexual abuse material, transporting minors with intent for those children to engage in sexual activity and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity".<ref name="2022-01-14 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" /> Court documents listed Morgan-DeRosier having over 6,500 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.<ref name="2022-04-15 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" />

On August 23, 2021, while Morgan-DeRosier was incarcerated in the Grand Forks County, North Dakota jail on the possession charges, he texted Holmberg and the two exchanged 65 messages between 3:23 and 5:24{{spaces}}p.m., in part discussing Holmberg's interest in meeting Morgan-DeRosier's 19-or-20-year-old boyfriend "to give him a massage". The next day, Holmberg texted Morgan-DeRosier and seven messages were passed back and forth between 6:14 and 6:31{{spaces}}p.m. Morgan-DeRosier was bailed out at 9:14{{spaces}}p.m. on August 24. These text exchanges came to light as federal prosecutor Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl's evidence at Morgan-DeRosier's detention hearing. When ''The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead'' uncovered this connection and asked Holmberg about them, the legislator said the messages were about patio construction, claimed ignorance of the massage-related messages and both claimed to have read about Morgan-DeRosier's charges while also not knowing about them. He later told ''The Forum'' of his texts with Morgan-DeRosier, "They're just gone."<ref name="2022-04-15 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" /> Morgan-DeRosier pleaded guilty to "seven criminal charges related to possessing and distributing child pornography" in September 2023. On May 30, 2024, Judge Peter D. Welte imposed a sentence of 40 years imprisonment, victim restitution of {{US$|39000|2024|long=no}} and mandatory registration as a sex offender.<ref name="2024-05-30 North Dakota Monitor" />

At 9:30{{spaces}}a.m. on November 17, 2021, Holmberg's Grand Forks condominium was searched by the federal Department of Homeland Security and the Grand Forks Police Department. Holmberg was interviewed by agents and evidentiary material was seized from his home, including CD-Rs, DVD-Rs,<ref name="2022-05-06 Grand Forks Herald" /> and Holmberg's state-issued iPad and laptop computer.<ref name="2022-06-08 Grand Forks Herald" /> Evidence led to an email account belonging to Holmberg, which he used to plan his trips, saying "The boys rent at around $60 (sex is extra)" and "No one is ever too young ...remember Prague."<ref name="2024-08-08 North Dakota Monitor" />

Prosecutors ultimately determined that, as part of state-funded trips—in cooperation with Atlantik-Brücke to "understand and integrate the various facets of international politics, business, academia and culture"<ref name="2023-11-01 Grand Forks Herald" />—Holmberg took at least three individual trips to Prague, Czech Republic (June 24, 2011; September 29, 2018; and late June 2019) to illegally have sex with minors. With his senatorial leadership position, Holmberg approved state reimbursement of {{US$|126000|long=no}} of his own personal travel expenses to Prague.<ref name="2024-08-08 North Dakota Monitor" />

===Federal indictment and trial=== A grand jury in the US District Court for North Dakota returned an indictment against Holmberg on October 26, 2023 (''United States of America v. Raymon Everett Holmberg''). Holmberg was also indicted for receiving or attempting to receive child pornography (between November 24, 2012, and March 4, 2013); Jennifer Puhl testified that Holmberg used the aliases Sean Evan and Sean Evans "to convince a child to send him sexually explicit images".<ref name="2023-10-30 Grand Forks Herald" />

Arrested and arraigned on October 30, Holmberg pled not-guilty at the US District Court in Fargo, North Dakota.<ref name="2023-10-30 AP" /> Judge Alice Senechal released Holmberg under the conditions: forfeiture of his passport; no contact with minors, victims, and witnesses; no access to the internet, no travel outside Greater Grand Forks<ref name="2023-10-30 Grand Forks Herald" /> or Fargo; and no possession of firearms.<ref name="2023-10-30 KFGO" /> Senechal set a trial date of December 5, 2023,<ref name="2023-10-30 Grand Forks Herald" /> to be adjudicated by Judge Daniel L. Hovland. <ref name="2023-10-30 KFGO" /> On November 14, upon request of Holmberg's defense team, and with no objection from the federal prosecutor, Hovland postponed the Fargo trial to April 29, which was expected to last five days;<ref name="2023-11-14 Seattle Times" /> in March 2024, it was delayed again until September 9.<ref name="2024-03-11 WZFG" />

On August 8, pursuant to a plea agreement (''United States of America v. Raymon Everett Holmberg''), Holmberg pled guilty to child sex tourism charges stemming from his travel to the Czech Republic and waived his right to appeal; in exchange, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) agreed to drop charges of receiving child pornography and attempts there to, and would "seek a sentence on the low end of sentencing guidelines." The maximum sentence was 30 years imprisonment and {{US$|250000|long=no}} in fines, and he will be required to register as a sex offender. Holmberg's allocution additionally included admissions of sex ''quid pro quo'', receipt and consumption of child pornography. Due to Holmberg's health problems, Judge Hovland released him from custody with a GPS tracker, pending sentencing, despite previous violations of his terms of release.<ref name="2024-08-08 AP" /><ref name="2024-08-08 North Dakota Monitor" /> There is no required minimum sentencing.<ref name="2025-02-10 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" />

===Post-conviction and sentencing=== On October 10, 2024, the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System reported that Holmberg had again violated the terms of his pretrial release, this time by repeatedly accessing social media<ref name="2024-10-11 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead" /> and leaving home multiple times without prior approval.<ref name="2024-10-11 North Dakota Monitor" /> On October 29, Hovland revoked Holmberg's pretrial release and ordered him to report to jail by November 1 (''United States of America v. Raymon Holmberg'').<ref name="2024-10-29 KX" /> That day, Holmberg surrendered to the United States Marshals Service and was imprisoned<ref name="2024-11-01 KX" /> in Elk River, Minnesota.<ref name="2025-03-26 North Dakota Monitor" />

Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a sentence of 37–46 months and both the defense and prosecution agreed to 37 months ("about three years") due to Holmberg's age and concerns about his health. On March 26, 2025, Hovland instead sentenced Holmberg to 10 years (120 months). Although this was three times what both the prosecution and defense had sought, Hovland said upward departure from sentencing guidelines was warranted because he believed Holmberg was still a "threat to underage boys". Hovland also did not believe the recommended sentence would deter others: in his view, a three-year sentence was too lenient for "very vile, very sickening behavior". Hovland did not believe Holmberg's claims that he had never had sex with minors, saying he could "read between the lines".<ref name="2025-03-26 KFGO" /><ref name="2025-03-26 North Dakota Monitor" /> Acting U. S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl said that she would have asked for a longer sentence if her office had been able to identify more victims in Prague. Holmberg was returned to the Elk River jail pending his assignment by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.<ref name="2025-03-26 North Dakota Monitor" /> On June 5, 2025, Holmberg, BOP Register Number 8357-510, was transferred to Federal Medical Center, Rochester.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fry |first=Devin |date=June 5, 2025 |title=Former Senator Ray Holmberg transferred to federal prison in Rochester, Minnesota |url=https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/06/05/former-senator-ray-holmberg-transferred-federal-prison-rochester-minnesota/ |access-date=July 2, 2025 |website=Valley News Live |language=en}}</ref> His earliest possible release date is May 5, 2033.

After sentencing, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly released a statement that said:<ref name="2025-03-26 KFGO" />{{blockquote|text=The ND Senate and ND House are committed to providing additional resources to law enforcement to help combat increases in criminal sexual assaults and human trafficking…Ray Holmberg's evil crimes require reflection and careful review of policy to determine how best to combat crimes against children. In the coming months, we intend to do that with sober judgment and a firm resolve.}}

Hovland required Holmberg to serve a further 10 years of supervised release after Holmberg completes his prison sentence.<ref name="2025-03-26 KFGO" /> He will also be required to register as a sex offender and complete a sex offender treatment program. He will be prohibited from visiting where children gather (e.g. playgrounds and schools) and will have to get permission from his probation officer before having any contact with minors at all.<ref name="2025-03-26 North Dakota Monitor" />

==References== <references>

<ref name="1961 The Viking">{{cite book |editor-last1=Peterson |editor-first1=Ronald |editor-last2=Evenson |editor-first2=Duane |year=1961 |title=The Viking Yearbook |language=en |location=Climax, Minnesota |publisher=Climax High School}}</ref>

<ref name="1973-04-27 Grand Forks County Equalization">{{citation |title=Grand Forks County Equalization |date=April 27, 1973 |location=Grand Forks, North Dakota |work=Grand Forks County Marriage Records |via=Ancestry.com}}</ref>

<ref name="1986-07-02 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |date=July 2, 1986 |editor-last1=Jacobs |editor-first1=Mike |title=Divorces |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/grand-forks-herald-ray-holmberg-divorces/168785320/ |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |volume=108 |issue=7 |page=2B |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250326140341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/grand-forks-herald-ray-holmberg-divorces/168785320/ |archive-date=March 26, 2025 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |quote=Raymon E. Holmberg from Kerry L. Holmberg. She will resume her maiden name of Hackett. }}</ref>

<ref name="2010-06-08 North Dakota Secretary of State">{{cite web |url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=21 |title=Official 2010 Primary Election Results |date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=North Dakota Secretary of State |language=en |access-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207050210/https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=21 |archive-date=February 7, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2010-11-02 North Dakota Secretary of State">{{cite web |url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=22 |title=Official 2010 General Election Results |date=November 4, 2014 |publisher=North Dakota Secretary of State |language=en |access-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028211702/https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=22 |archive-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="2014-06-10 North Dakota Secretary of State">{{cite web |url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/resultsSW.aspx?eid=120&text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST |title=Official 2014 Primary Election Results |date=June 10, 2014 |publisher=North Dakota Secretary of State |language=en |access-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530082241/https://results.sos.nd.gov/resultsSW.aspx?eid=120&text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST |archive-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2014-11-04 North Dakota Secretary of State">{{cite web |url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/resultsSW.aspx?eid=120&text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST |title=Official 2014 General Election Results |date=November 4, 2014 |publisher=North Dakota Secretary of State |language=en |access-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907060137/https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=126 |archive-date=September 7, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2018-06-12 North Dakota Secretary of State">{{cite web |url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=302 |title=Official 2018 Primary Election Results |date=June 12, 2018 |publisher=North Dakota Secretary of State |language=en |access-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425122752/https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=302 |archive-date=April 25, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2018-11-06 North Dakota Secretary of State">{{cite web |url=https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=303 |title=Official 2018 General Election Results |date=November 6, 2018 |publisher=North Dakota Secretary of State |language=en |access-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207042925/https://results.sos.nd.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=LG&map=DIST&eid=303 |archive-date=February 7, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2020-12-10 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Turley |first1=Jeremy |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Longtime Grand Forks lawmaker, 3 legislative staffers test positive for COVID-19 after meetings |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/longtime-grand-forks-lawmaker-3-legislative-staffers-test-positive-for-covid-19-after-meetings |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025154/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/longtime-grand-forks-lawmaker-3-legislative-staffers-test-positive-for-covid-19-after-meetings |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |quote=Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said he almost certainly caught the virus from 'our petri dish called the Legislature' since he hadn't been anywhere else in the last two weeks.}}</ref>

<ref name="2021-03-27 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Shirley |first1=Hannah |date=March 27, 2021 |title=East Grand Forks landscaper charged with possession of child pornography |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/east-grand-forks-landscaper-charged-with-possession-of-child-pornography |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030171003/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/east-grand-forks-landscaper-charged-with-possession-of-child-pornography |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |quote=Nicholas James Morgan DeRosier, 33, could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted for possessing child porn.}}</ref>

<ref name="2021-06-08 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Adam |date=June 8, 2021 |title=44 years in, Sen. Ray Holmberg is tied for longest serving state senator in the nation |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/44-years-in-sen-ray-holmberg-is-tied-for-longest-serving-state-senator-in-the-nation |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231193032/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/44-years-in-sen-ray-holmberg-is-tied-for-longest-serving-state-senator-in-the-nation |archive-date=December 31, 2021 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |quote=Holmberg was informed of his status by the National Conference of State Legislatures, a group dedicated to advancing the effectiveness of those governing bodies and their inter-state cooperation, after the retirement of the longest-serving state politician, a Wisconsin Democratic Assembly member.}}</ref>

<ref name="2022-01-14 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=January 14, 2022 |title=Grand Forks man charged with exchanging child porn, transporting kids with intent to sexually abuse them |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/grand-forks-landscaper-charged-with-exchanging-child-porn-transporting-kids-intending-to-sexually-abuse-them |url-status=live |work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |issn=0895-1292 |oclc=9563116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002165649/https://www.inforum.com/news/grand-forks-landscaper-charged-with-exchanging-child-porn-transporting-kids-intending-to-sexually-abuse-them |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |url-access=subscription |quote=Court documents detail the child porn files allegedly found on electronic devices owned by Nicholas Morgan-Derosier.}}</ref>

<ref name="2022-04-15 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=April 15, 2022 |title=North Dakota's longest-serving state senator exchanged 72 texts with jailed child porn suspect |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/north-dakotas-longest-serving-state-senator-exchanged-72-texts-with-jailed-child-porn-suspect |url-status=live |work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en |location=Grand Forks, North Dakota |issn=0895-1292 |oclc=9563116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101075106/https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/north-dakotas-longest-serving-state-senator-exchanged-72-texts-with-jailed-child-porn-suspect |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |url-access=subscription |quote=State Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks told a reporter he no longer had the text messages. When asked what happened to the texts, Holmberg said, 'They're just gone.'}}</ref>

<ref name="2022-04-25 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead">{{cite news |last1=Turley |first1=Jeremy |date=April 25, 2022 |title=North Dakota Sen. Holmberg to resign after text exchanges with jailed child porn suspect |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota-sen-holmberg-to-resign-after-text-exchanges-with-jailed-child-porn-suspect |url-status=live |work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en |location=Bismarck, North Dakota |issn=0895-1292 |oclc=9563116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101074952/https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota-sen-holmberg-to-resign-after-text-exchanges-with-jailed-child-porn-suspect |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |quote=An investigation published by The Forum on April 15 revealed that North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg exchanged 72 text messages in August with Nicholas Morgan-Derosier, a Grand Forks County Jail inmate suspected of child porn and sex abuse crimes.}}</ref>

<ref name="2022-05-06 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=May 6, 2022 |title=Feds searched home of North Dakota Sen. Holmberg, took items into evidence |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/feds-searched-home-of-north-dakota-sen-ray-holmberg-report-shows |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022074901/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/feds-searched-home-of-north-dakota-sen-ray-holmberg-report-shows |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |quote=Officers who searched Holmberg's condo in Grand Forks also investigated a child porn suspect who exchanged texts with the state senator.}}</ref>

<ref name="2022-06-01 KNOX">{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Doug |date=June 1, 2022 |title=Republicans select Sickler in District 17 |url=https://knoxradio.com/2022/06/01/republicans-select-sickler-in-district-17/ |url-status=live |language=en |publisher=KNOX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622032624/https://knoxradio.com/2022/06/01/republicans-select-sickler-in-district-17/ |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2022-06-08 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Former North Dakota lawmaker's state-issued laptop, iPad seized after texts with child porn suspect |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-senators-state-issued-laptop-ipad-seized-after-texts-with-child-porn-suspect |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020062628/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-senators-state-issued-laptop-ipad-seized-after-texts-with-child-porn-suspect |archive-date=October 20, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |quote=Federal agents took several electronic items and storage devices from Ray Holmberg's home in November, including some the state of North Dakota gave him to use as a lawmaker, his attorney confirmed.}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-10-26 United States of America v. Raymon Everett Holmberg">{{citation |title=United States of America v. Raymon Everett Holmberg |url=https://www.kvrr.com/content/uploads/2023/10/k/y/Holmberg-Indictment.pdf |via=KVRR |url-status=live |access-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031105615/https://www.kvrr.com/content/uploads/2023/10/k/y/Holmberg-Indictment.pdf |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |publisher=United States District Court for the District of North Dakota |last1=Puhl |first1=Jennifer |author1-link=Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-10-30 AP">{{cite news |last1=Dura |first1=Jack |date=October 30, 2023 |title=Ex-North Dakota lawmaker charged with traveling for sex with minor, receiving child sex abuse images |url=https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-senator-indictment-ray-holmberg-prague-8c30a68285dff5ee66668340deb4effc |url-status=live |language=en |location=Bismarck, North Dakota |publisher=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232756/https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-senator-indictment-ray-holmberg-prague-8c30a68285dff5ee66668340deb4effc |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-10-30 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=October 30, 2023 |title=Former North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg denies traveling to have sex with minors after federal indictment |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-sen-ray-holmberg-indicted-on-federal-charges |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101201838/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-sen-ray-holmberg-indicted-on-federal-charges |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |quote=An indictment that was unsealed Monday alleged he traveled to Prague with intentions to have sex with minors, as well as received or attempted to receive child porn.}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-10-30 KFGO">{{cite news |last1=Carvell |first1=Tasha |date=October 30, 2023 |title=Former State Sen. Holmberg indicted on child sex tourism & pornography charges; pleads not guilty |url=https://kfgo.com/2023/10/30/917202/ |url-status=live |language=en |location=Grand Forks, North Dakota |publisher=KFGO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101185509/https://kfgo.com/2023/10/30/917202/ |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-11-01 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Ray Holmberg, accused of traveling to have sex with a child in Prague, used state funds for trips to city |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/ray-holmberg-accused-of-traveling-to-prague-to-have-sex-with-a-child-used-state-funding-for-trips-to-city |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102023532/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/ray-holmberg-accused-of-traveling-to-prague-to-have-sex-with-a-child-used-state-funding-for-trips-to-city |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |quote=Receipts showed the former North Dakota senator used the Global Bridges program to travel to Prague at least three times, including once that fell in the timeframe of the federal allegations.}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-11-02 AP">{{cite news |last1=Dura |first1=Jack |date=November 2, 2023 |title=State funded some trips for ex-North Dakota senator charged with traveling to pay for sex with minor |url=https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-senator-holmberg-indicted-prague-19359a6c7071fe93656c475c5c5eda80 |url-status=live |language=en |location=Bismarck, North Dakota |publisher=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105154952/https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-senator-holmberg-indicted-prague-19359a6c7071fe93656c475c5c5eda80 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |access-date=November 6, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-11-02 Dickinson Press">{{cite news |last1=Port |first1=Rob |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Holmberg stayed in contact with lawmakers even amid scandal |url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/opinion/columns/port-holmberg-stayed-in-contact-with-lawmakers-even-amid-scandal |url-status=live |work=The Dickinson Press |language=en |location=Minot, North Dakota |issn=1049-6718 |oclc=1566609 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104112645/https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/opinion/columns/port-holmberg-stayed-in-contact-with-lawmakers-even-amid-scandal |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |access-date=November 6, 2023 |url-access=subscription |quote=Former Sen. Ray Holmberg, who is currently facing federal criminal charges, has kept up correspondence with current state lawmakers}}</ref>

<ref name="2023-11-14 Seattle Times">{{cite news |last1=Dura |first1=Jack |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Trial rescheduled for April for former N.D. lawmaker accused of traveling for sex with minor |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/trial-rescheduled-for-april-for-former-n-d-lawmaker-accused-of-traveling-for-sex-with-minor/ |url-status=live |work=The Seattle Times |language=en |location=Bismarck, North Dakota |agency=Associated Press |issn=0745-9696 |oclc=9198928 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20231115201149/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/trial-rescheduled-for-april-for-former-n-d-lawmaker-accused-of-traveling-for-sex-with-minor/ |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |access-date=November 15, 2023 }}</ref>

<ref name="2023-11-17 Grand Forks Herald">{{cite news |date=November 17, 2023 |title=Judge finds North Dakota violated Voting Rights Act, diluted Native American vote |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/judge-finds-north-dakota-violated-voting-rights-act-diluted-native-american-vote |url-status=live |work=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |location=Grand Forks, North Dakota |issn=0745-9661 |oclc=1751382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109005409/https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/judge-finds-north-dakota-violated-voting-rights-act-diluted-native-american-vote |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |quote=A federal judge ruled Friday, Nov. 17, that the North Dakota Legislature will have until Dec. 22 to remedy the violation}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-03-11 WZFG">{{cite news |last1=Schonert |first1=Ty |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Trial in former ND Senator's child sex abuse case delayed to September |url=https://www.am1100theflag.com/news/regional-news/74078-trial-in-former-nd-senators-child-sex-abuse-case-delayed-to-september |url-status=live |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |publisher=WZFG |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311192011/https://www.am1100theflag.com/news/regional-news/74078-trial-in-former-nd-senators-child-sex-abuse-case-delayed-to-september |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-05-30 North Dakota Monitor">{{cite news |last1=Beach |first1=Jeff |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Man linked to former state senator sentenced to 40 years on child porn charges |url=https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/05/30/man-linked-to-former-state-senator-sentenced-to-40-years-on-child-porn-charges/ |url-status=live |work=North Dakota Monitor |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530231457/https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/05/30/man-linked-to-former-state-senator-sentenced-to-40-years-on-child-porn-charges/ |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-06-24 AP">{{cite news |last1=Dura |first1=Jack |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Former North Dakota lawmaker to plead guilty to traveling to pay for sex with minor |url=https://apnews.com/article/ray-holmberg-north-dakota-9f83dfaa38a92e5833ae046e15b0a2d3 |url-status=live |language=en |location=Bismarck, North Dakota |publisher=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626210909/https://apnews.com/article/ray-holmberg-north-dakota-9f83dfaa38a92e5833ae046e15b0a2d3 |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |access-date=June 29, 2024}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-08-08 AP">{{cite news |last1=Dura |first1=Jack |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Powerful former North Dakota lawmaker pleads guilty to traveling to Europe to pay for sex with minor |url=https://apnews.com/article/ray-holmberg-indicted-sex-minor-a04408b9ed1ec35e449905cd89247295 |url-status=live |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |publisher=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115210739/https://apnews.com/article/ray-holmberg-indicted-sex-minor-a04408b9ed1ec35e449905cd89247295 |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-08-08 North Dakota Monitor">{{cite news |last1=Beach |first1=Jeff |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Former North Dakota lawmaker pleads guilty to traveling for sex with children |url=https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/08/08/former-north-dakota-lawmaker-pleads-guilty-to-traveling-for-sex-with-children/ |url-status=live |work=North Dakota Monitor |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105051258/https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/08/08/former-north-dakota-lawmaker-pleads-guilty-to-traveling-for-sex-with-children/ |archive-date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-10-11 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead">{{cite news |last1=Harbo |first1=Ingrid |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Former North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg continued to violate release conditions after guilty plea, report says |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-sen-ray-holmberg-continued-to-violate-release-conditions-after-guilty-plea-report-says |url-status=live |work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |issn=0895-1292 |oclc=9563116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106030358/https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-sen-ray-holmberg-continued-to-violate-release-conditions-after-guilty-plea-report-says |archive-date=January 6, 2025 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |quote=Former Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, has accessed the internet multiple times without approval, according to the U.S. Pretrial Services report filed Thursday, Oct. 10.}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-10-11 North Dakota Monitor">{{cite news |last1=Steurer |first1=Mary |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Former state senator convicted of child sex crime again accused of violating pretrial release |url=https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/former-state-senator-convicted-of-child-sex-crime-again-accused-of-violating-pretrial-release/ |url-status=live |work=North Dakota Monitor |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107211814/https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/former-state-senator-convicted-of-child-sex-crime-again-accused-of-violating-pretrial-release/ |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-10-17 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=October 17, 2024 |title=Ray Holmberg was helping attorney, not violating terms of release, defense argues as possible jail time looms |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/ray-holmberg-was-helping-attorney-not-violating-terms-of-release-defense-argues-as-possible-jail-time-looms |url-status=live |work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |issn=0895-1292 |oclc=9563116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110024321/https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/ray-holmberg-was-helping-attorney-not-violating-terms-of-release-defense-argues-as-possible-jail-time-looms |archive-date=January 10, 2025 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |url-access=subscription |quote=A prosecutor said she can't ignore the violations, adding that the former North Dakota lawmaker is not taking warnings seriously.}}</ref>

<ref name="2024-10-29 KX">{{cite news |date=October 29, 2024 |location=North Dakota |title=Judge orders Holmberg to report to jail |url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/judge-orders-holmberg-to-report-to-jail/ |language=en |publisher=KX Television |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250225170230/https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/judge-orders-holmberg-to-report-to-jail/ |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |access-date=February 25, 2025 }}</ref>

<ref name="2024-11-01 KX">{{cite news |date=November 1, 2024 |location=Fargo, North Dakota |title=Former ND Senator Ray Holmberg in federal custody |url=https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/former-senator-ray-holmberg-ordered-to-go-to-jail/ |language=en |publisher=KX Television |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250225170234/https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/former-senator-ray-holmberg-ordered-to-go-to-jail/ |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |access-date=February 25, 2025 }}</ref>

<ref name="2025-02-10 Forum of Fargo-Moorhead">{{cite news |last1=Baumgarten |first1=April |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Ray Holmberg to be sentenced next month for traveling abroad with plans to sexually abuse children |url=https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/ray-holmberg-to-be-sentenced-next-month-for-traveling-abroad-with-plans-to-sexually-abuse-children |url-status=live |work=The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |issn=0895-1292 |oclc=9563116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210023704/https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/ray-holmberg-to-be-sentenced-next-month-for-traveling-abroad-with-plans-to-sexually-abuse-children |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |url-access=subscription |quote=Court records indicate the former North Dakota senator's sentencing hearing is set for March 26.}}</ref>

<ref name="2025-03-26 KFGO">{{cite news |last1=Leier |first1=Joe |date=March 26, 2025 |location=Fargo, North Dakota |title=Ray Holmberg sentenced to 10 years in federal prison |url=https://kfgo.com/2025/03/26/ray-holmberg-senteced-to-10-years-in-federal-prison/ |language=en |publisher=KFGO-FM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328134742/https://kfgo.com/2025/03/26/ray-holmberg-senteced-to-10-years-in-federal-prison/ |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |access-date=March 28, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="2025-03-26 North Dakota Monitor">{{cite news |last1=Dalrymple |first1=Amy |last2=Beach |first2=Jeff |date=March 26, 2025 |location=Fargo, North Dakota |title=Former ND Sen. Ray Holmberg sentenced to 10 years in prison for sex crime |url=https://northdakotamonitor.com/2025/03/26/former-nd-sen-ray-holmberg-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison-for-sex-crime/ |work=North Dakota Monitor |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250328130307/https://northdakotamonitor.com/2025/03/26/former-nd-sen-ray-holmberg-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison-for-sex-crime/ |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |access-date=March 28, 2025 }}</ref>

<ref name="North Dakota Legislative Council: Senator Ray Holmberg">{{cite web |url=https://www.ndlegis.gov/assembly/63-2013/members/senate/senator-ray-holmberg |title=Senator Ray Holmberg |department=North Dakota Legislative Council |publisher=North Dakota Legislative Assembly |language=en |access-date=November 1, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030170939/https://www.ndlegis.gov/assembly/63-2013/members/senate/senator-ray-holmberg |archive-date=October 30, 2023}}</ref>

</references>

==Further reading== * {{cite news |last1=Sharpe |first1=MacGregor |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Former North Dakota U.S. Attorney breaks down Ray Holmberg's Child Pornography Case |url=https://www.kvrr.com/2023/11/01/former-north-dakota-u-s-attorney-breaks-down-ray-holmbergs-child-pornography-case/ |url-status=live |language=en |location=Fargo, North Dakota |publisher=KVRR |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102203938/https://www.kvrr.com/2023/11/01/former-north-dakota-u-s-attorney-breaks-down-ray-holmbergs-child-pornography-case/ |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023}}

==External links== * [https://ndlegis.gov/biography/ray-holmberg Biography] at the North Dakota Legislative Assembly ([https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011154/https://ndlegis.gov/biography/ray-holmberg archived] at the Wayback Machine * {{Commons category-inline}}

{{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Holmberg, Ray}} Category:1944 births Category:20th-century American educators Category:20th-century members of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly Category:21st-century American educators Category:21st-century members of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly Category:American people convicted of child sexual abuse Category:American politicians convicted of sex offences Category:American people convicted of child pornography offenses Category:People convicted of sex trafficking Category:imprisoned politicians Category:living people Category:North Dakota politicians convicted of crimes Category:people from Polk County, Minnesota Category:politicians from Grand Forks, North Dakota Category:Republican Party North Dakota state senators Category:school counselors Category:Politicians convicted of sex offences