Sex Tourism, Child Porn Charges Brought Against Former ND State Senator: Authorities

FARGO, ND — A former North Dakota state senator is charged in connection with allegations that he traveled to the Czech Republic to commit sex acts with a minor and obtained child pornography, according to authorities.

Raymon Holmberg, 79, of Grand Forks, repeatedly visited Prague to engage in commercial sex acts between June 2011 and November 2016, authorities said. He also between November 2012 and March 2013 received and tried to receive pornography depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Holmberg is charged with child sex tourism and receipt of child pornography, authorities said, adding he has pleaded not guilty and his trial is set for December. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison, according to the department.

The Republican lawmaker held office for over 45 years and resigned in 2022, according to the Associated Press, after The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported that he had exchanged texts with a person jailed in connection with images of child sexual abuse.

Holmberg’s lawyer, Mark Friese, in a text to the Associated Press noted none of the allegations were regarding recent conduct.

Holmberg was released without bond but with conditions, Friese told the Associated Press.

Anyone with information about the investigation into Holmberg is asked to call 866-347-2423, according to authorities, who said tips may be anonymous.