Ray Holmberg leaving the Quentin N. Burdick federal building in Fargo after pleading guilty to federal charges. (Joe Leier/KFGO News)
FARGO (KFGO) – A federal judge has ordered former North Dakota state Sen. Ray Holmberg to voluntarily turn himself in to law enforcement by 1 p.m. Friday.
Judge Daniel Hovland says Holmberg has not acted in good faith in adhering to all the conditions of his release while awaiting sentencing and, even if he had been, federal law mandates his detention.
Last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl argued that the Grand Forks Republican was violating the conditions of his release by accessing social media and visiting a home in Fargo without prior approval.
Holmberg’s attorney’s argued that Holmberg’s advanced age and medical problems allowed for “exceptional reasons” for why he should remain out of jail while waiting to be sentenced.
In his detention order, Hovland says “exceptional reasons” are no longer valid to avoid mandatory detention once a defendant is found to be guilty of a federal crime.
“The Defendant shall voluntarily surrender to the United States Marshals Service in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, Nov. 1 on or before 1 p.m.,” Hovland wrote.
Holmberg pleaded guilty in August to traveling overseas to have sex with children.
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