Bruce Gjovig at UND in 2017. (UND photo)
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KFGO) – Bruce Gjovig has released a statement after a North Dakota BCI report was released that shows Ray Holmberg communicated with him and high-profile North Dakotans.
A statement released by Gjovig’s attorney, Cash Aaland, says Gjovig was unaware of Holmberg’s criminal activities. Gjovig says he was interviewed by investigators and testified under oath during Holmberg’s investigation. The statement says “Mr. Gjovig condemns Mr. Holmberg’s activities in the strongest terms possible.” It acknowledges Holmberg and Gjovig spent time in Europe together, but says Gjovig and Holmberg travelled separately, and Gjovig went to Germany for a wedding. It says Gjovig has never been to Prague.
Holmberg was sentenced in March to 10 years in federal prison for travelling to Prague with the intent of having sex with minors. He chose not to appeal his sentence.
Bruce Gjovig’s full statement is below:
Aaland Law Firm represents Bruce Gjovig. Mr. Gjovig cooperated with the criminal investigation of Ray Holmberg by participating in an interview with law enforcement officers and by testifying under oath when required to do so by the US Attorney’s Office prosecuting Mr. Holmberg.
Mr. Gjovig, like many other of Mr. Holmberg’s associates, was appalled by Mr. Holmberg’s alarming criminal conduct. The behavior revealed by the extensive criminal investigation was shocking and Mr. Holmberg was appropriately punished.
Although Mr. Gjovig knew Mr. Holmberg in a professional and personal capacity, Mr. Gjovig was unaware of the criminal nature of Mr. Holmberg’s sexual conduct. Mr. Gjovig condemns Mr. Holmberg’s activities in the strongest terms possible.
Mr. Gjovig was at times the recipient of what he believed were bawdry locker room type communications from Mr. Holmberg, which included what Gjovig understood as crude humor and exaggeration. Mr. Gjovig, like many people who receive impolite, distasteful and improper messages from friends, discouraged and distanced himself. Mr. Gjovig has never visited Prague. He has traveled to Europe and on occasion, such as when Gjovig visited Germany to attend a wedding of a friend, met with Ray Holmberg and others who
had travelled to Europe separately.
As a gay man and a Republican Mr. Gjovig has been an easy mark for political and media attacks. Holmberg created the biggest political scandal in recent North Dakota history. Mr. Gjovig condemns Holmberg’s conduct. However, there are always those who, with rumor and innuendo, attempt to exploit scandals for sensational and political reasons. Such zealous media coverage occurs without regard to the harm inflicted on others. Being a friend or family member of a criminal does not make the friends and family criminals.
Cash Aaland
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