BCI digging into who knew what, and when, as Holmberg investigation continues

FARGO — The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into who knew what, and when, when it comes to the illegal actions of former North Dakota State Senator Ray Holmberg.

Holmberg pleaded guilty earlier this month to traveling to Prague to sexually abuse children.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says the ongoing investigation into those who may have known about Holmberg’s actions isn’t just procedural, there are leads to follow.

“As the result of our BCI and joint state and federal investigation, we are aware of troubling allegations involving other individuals. And we are aware of those and are investigating them,” Wrigley said.

Wrigley says investigators with the BCI, Homeland Security, and the FBI are also aware of allegations of potential witness tampering and obstruction of justice against people who may have known about Holmberg’s actions.

But just knowing about these allegations doesn’t mean they can take action any time soon.

“Us being aware of that is not being the same as us being able to move forward with charges. We have to have living breathing witnesses who will share their account of the information that they have and then any corroborating records and evidence that they might have,” Wrigley said.

Given Holmberg’s nearly five decades in the North Dakota State Senate, which included being the head of the Senate appropriations committee, Wrigley says the influence of Holmberg and those close to him can make getting witnesses to cooperate with the investigation more difficult.

“It can complicate things sometimes, people are intimidated about talking about someone that they might fear either financially or professionally or otherwise and that can add complications, but it’s not something we deal with routinely in law enforcement,” Wrigley said.

Wrigley encourages anyone who has information about Holmberg to come forward and cooperate with the BCI and other investigators.