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Holmberg sentenced to ten years in prison

FARGO, ND - AUGUST 08, 2024: Former ND Sen. Ray Holmberg arrives at the Quentin N. Burdick U.S. Courthouse in Fargo for Holmberg's plea hearing in North Dakota U.S. District Court.
DAN KOECK
FARGO, ND - AUGUST 08, 2024: Former ND Sen. Ray Holmberg arrives at the Quentin N. Burdick U.S. Courthouse in Fargo for HolmbergÕs plea hearing in North Dakota U.S. District Court.

The sentence, handed down by Federal Judge Daniel Hovland, went above and beyond recommendations from prosecutors.

Federal Judge Daniel Hovland has sentenced former state senator Ray Holmberg to ten years in prison for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Holmberg had pleaded guilty to the charges last August. Defense Attorney for Mark Friese had asked for a sentence of time served, citing Holmberg’s age, his health, and shame after media coverage of the case.

Acting US Attorney Jennifer Puhl had asked for three years. She says the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime, which she called an assault on the dignity of young boys.

Puhl says she will handle any appeals.