FARGO, ND (KXNET) — Former State Senator Ray Holmberg's attorneys' pleas for a reduced sentence fell on deaf ears Wednesday after an hours-long deliberation that included testimony from investigators, two victim impact statements, and an apology from the former lawmaker. Holmberg's attorney, Ma rk Friese of the Vogel Law Firm, argued the senator's age and poor health were reasons for a downward departure in the recommended sentence, but federal Judge Daniel Hovland wasn't having any of it as he moved up nine levels and handed down a sentence of 10 years behind bars. Holmberg and his attorneys have 14 days from the date of the sentencing to appeal the judge's decision. Holmberg, who was shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit, was sentenced to 10 years, either in prison or a federal medical facility, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He previously pled guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. The sentencing memorandum showed he did this at least 14 times in a span of 10 years. For our full story on the findings in the memorandum, click here. The hearing, which lasted for nearly seven hours, saw Friese, the defense attorney, and Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl, the prosecutor, state their cases for what they believe Holmberg's sentence should be. Puhl recommended a 37-month sentence, while Friese asked the judge to depart downward. "It's very clear that Mr. Holmberg's actions were egregious," Puhl said. In court filings, Puhl wrote “Holmberg’s offending conduct over the course of decades… can only be described as corruption. That is, he used his position to serve his own ends.” Friese argued that little evidence was found to substantiate the claims that Holmberg had an interest in boys under 18 years of age. "If Mr. Holmberg had a true interest in pre-pubescent children, you would find thousands of videos," the defense attorney said. Friese cited the time Holmberg already spent in custody, which he said was 145 days, and the time he served on house arrest, as reasons to go lower. After the attorneys stated their cases and heard from the investigators about the evidence that they do and don't have, Judge Hovland gave Holmberg an opportunity to make a statement. Minot Police Chief reacts to acquittal of Nichole Rice in Anita Knutson killing Holmberg, who appeared to be reading off a piece of paper, apologized to his victims, two of whom made statements at the sentencing. He then went on to claim that he didn't engage in any sexual acts with anyone under the age of 18. Holmberg said he sometimes paid young male masseuses in Prague, but claimed not to know their exact age. "I now realize that just because some actions are legal in Czech Republic, doesn't make them right," Holmberg said. "I was wrong and I'm sorry." Holmberg also claimed he went to the Czech Republic because he was worried what would happen if other lawmakers found out that he was attracted to males. Puhl shot that excuse down. "Mr. Holmberg's sexual orientation was the worst kept secret in North Dakota," the prosecutor said. After hearing his statement, Judge Hovland questioned Holmberg about the evidence that was found. Holmberg initially resigned from the senate in 2022 after The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported on text messages he exchanged with a man who was in jail for the possession of child sex abuse material. The sentencing memorandum highlighted this and many other exchanges Holmberg had over various platforms, which suggested he had engaged in sexual acts with minors. As the judge read off each of Holmberg's messages, the former senator claimed he sent them in an effort to brag to various people, including sex offenders, by fabricating sexual encounters. "I thought I didn't have to worry about actions because I was me," Holmberg said. "Too much pride, arrogance, and entitlement." The judge didn't buy it. Hovland said he's sentenced many people for sex crimes, but has never encountered someone bragging about their sexual acts with minors. The defense tried painting a different picture. Friese tried making Holmberg out to be a guy who's made mistakes but is being honest in his explanation. He said to take what the cooperating witnesses said with a grain of salt. These included two people who allegedly traveled with Holmberg to Prague. The judge was focused on making sure Holmberg wasn't a threat to anyone else, especially given that his last trip to the Czech Republic was as recent as 2021. He also wanted the sentence to serve as a deterrent for others engaging in this type of activity. Ward County couple charged with sexual crimes involving adults with cognitive impairments Two people gave victim impact statements at the sentencing. Neither one wanted to be identified by name. "I'm a human being. These things are true and they happened," one of them said. They both described their struggles with trust after allegedly being taken advantage of and groomed by Holmberg. "I have a suspicion that people always have a hidden agenda," the second person said. Both victims explained the struggles they had growing up, showing why it was easy for Holmberg to take advantage of them. "Who are you going to believe, your honor, the drug addict who destroyed his life, or the powerful senator who says, 'it wasn't me'?" the first person said. "After decades of suffering, I found myself reliving this trauma in the pursuit of justice." Not all the victims in the case are known, and one person who came to the sentencing wanted to raise awareness for those whose aren't. The man, whose name is Eric Calvin, came with a sign made out of a paper plate that said "Justice for Timmey!" on it. Calvin explained that Timmey is a South Park character who he's using as a surrogate to represent the victims who aren't known. He said he just wanted to be there to show those victims he has their back. "When you hear about people that are abused and put down and in bad shape, we need to reach out to them and let them know that we care about them," Calvin said. North Dakota House, Senate leadership respond to Holmberg sentence North Dakota lawmakers from both parties released statements after the sentencing, denouncing Holmberg's actions. “We will never know the full extent of the lives that were ruined by Ray Holmberg, but we hope that the survivors he’s left in his wake of depravity find some sense of healing in today’s just sentencing," Laura Dronen, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Communications Director, said in a statement. "Holmberg showed no real remorse for his heinous crimes. He claimed his despicable text messages about assaulting minors were effectively just locker room talk. He said he was ‘bragging’ about raping children to a child rapist." "It’s that same man who for decades was one of the most powerful politicians in North Dakota," she continued. "The current Grand Forks legislative districts were drawn up by that man. Committee heads were chosen by that man. That man held the purse strings for our state. This has to be the most egregious abuse of power and biggest political scandal our state has ever seen.” A separate statement from North Dakota Senate and House leadership expressed a similar sentiment. "The presentence investigation made public describes in detail Holmberg's pattern of pedophilia and misuse of his public office to satisfy his depraved sexual cravings. This report is deeply disturbing and an inexcusable violation of the public trust Holmberg held as a public official," says the statement. "His actions represent a profound moral failing and a betrayal of the responsibilities that come with public service. We support the full measure of justice being brought against him today. There can be no tolerance for those who exploit the vulnerable." The statement also says that they are reviewing their legislative travel policies to determine if they can be used to conceal criminal activity. Leaders also expressed their commitment to providing additional resources to law enforcement to help combat criminal sexual assaults and human trafficking. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less