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In appeal, man tied to former Sen. Ray Holmberg says search warrant in his own case was unconstitutional

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In appeal, man tied to former Sen. Ray Holmberg says search warrant in his own case was unconstitutional


FARGO — A Grand Forks man connected to a former North Dakota senator who traveled abroad with plans to sexually abuse children is appealing

his own federal child sex abuse conviction,

arguing a search warrant in the case was unconstitutional.

Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier, 37, argued evidence showing he possessed child sex abuse material should have been thrown out due to what his defense team called an “overbroad” search warrant. The warrant was used to search Morgan-Derosier’s home in September 2020 for evidence that he violated a judicial order that banned him from doing business as Team Lawn, his landscaping business.

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The search turned up a thumb drive that contained child sex abuse materials, according to court documents. Police applied for a search warrant once they found images of children being sexually abused, court documents said.

The evidence likely would have been used in a trial in North Dakota U.S. District Court, but Morgan-Derosier pleaded guilty in September 2023 to charges that said he received, distributed and possessed child sex abuse materials. The plea came after U.S. District Judge Peter Welte denied Morgan-Derosier’s motion to suppress.

Prosecutors also said the defendant sexually abused multiple children over the years, including some he met online and lured to a physical location. Morgan-Derosier and another man sexually abused a boy in 2020 together in a tent near Park Rapids, Minnesota, court documents said.

Morgan-Derosier did not have to admit to the sexual abuse, but he is serving a 40-year sentence for possessing thousands of child sex abuse materials and sharing some of the images online.

Morgan-Derosier reserved the right to appeal his conviction based on the search warrant.

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He filed a notice to appeal

last year in the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In an appeals brief that was recently unsealed, Morgan-Derosier’s attorney argued that the search warrant was unconstitutional, overbroad and lacking particularity. His team also argued that the warrant led to evidence of a crime that was unrelated to the investigation of his business dealings, the brief said.

“The warrant essentially authorized the police to seize all computers and electronic devices for any crime that was committed at any time,” the brief said. “It is difficult to conceive a less particular or more broad case.”

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Ray Holmberg.

Contributed / Sherburne County Jail

Morgan-Derosier has been connected to former Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks.

The Forum reported on phone records

that showed Holmberg and Morgan-Derosier exchanged dozens of text messages while Morgan-Derosier was jailed in August 2021.

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During Morgan-Derosier’s

January 2022 detention hearing,

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl said a “77-year-old man from Grand Forks” texted Morgan-Derosier on Aug. 23, 2021, about bringing Morgan-Derosier’s 19- or 20-year-old boyfriend “over for a massage.” Puhl did not identify the 77-year-old, but the age matched Holmberg’s at the time.

In an interview with The Forum, Holmberg denied asking Morgan-Derosier about a massage but acknowledged he texted Morgan-Derosier about patio work and “a variety of things.”

Other documents and audio recordings revealed Holmberg gave Morgan-Derosier a

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ride to Bismarck

shortly after police searched Morgan-Derosier’s home. Once there, Morgan-Derosier spoke with North Dakota consumer protection officials about his business, according to a transcript from the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office. Holmberg attended a legislative energy development and transmission committee meeting that day.

Holmberg was

charged in October 2023

in federal court, with prosecutors saying he

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traveled to Prague

multiple times in the 2010s with plans to sexually abuse children. He pleaded guilty to the charge in August.

During that plea hearing,

prosecutors said Holmberg and Morgan-Derosier watched child sex abuse material together.

Holmberg has been

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jailed in Minnesota

after

a judge

determined he

violated presentence release conditions.

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A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled in his case.

Holmberg served in the North Dakota Senate from 1976 to 2022, when he

resigned shortly after The Forum

broke the story about his connection to Morgan-Derosier.

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April Baumgarten

April Baumgarten has been a journalist in North Dakota since 2011. She joined The Forum in February 2019 as an investigative reporter. Readers can reach her at 701-241-5417 or abaumgarten@forumcomm.com.





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North Dakota

Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News

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Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News


GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.

Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.

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___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright
© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.



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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops


In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.

When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.

Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.

Randy Fyllesvold, seen here with his wife Kharra, was killed in September. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.

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Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.

First, they put out a call for help.

And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.

Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.

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The tiny North Dakota community banded together to help the family bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”

Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.

More than 75 volunteers stepped up to help bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.

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“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.

“I know you are smiling down.”



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North Dakota

Donald Snyder Sr.

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Donald Snyder Sr.


Donald R. Snyder Sr. 82 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 9, 2026, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota. 

Don was born on June 3, 1943, the son of Harrison and Gladys (Whittier) Snyder in Van Hook, North Dakota. He attended school in Van Hook and New Town, North Dakota. Don served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 and was stationed in Hawaii during his time of service as a Military Police officer. He attended ND Police Academy and where he worked in Wattford City, ND and later was the Chief of Police in Parshall, ND. Don attended Minot State University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972. 

Don was united in marriage to Greta Huseby on November 22, 1991, in Lake Tahoe, Neveda. He worked as a social worker in child welfare in North Dakota for thirty-five plus years in various roles in the state in Rugby, Minot and Bismarck as a Regional Supervisor to State Director in foster care. Don spent the many years taking care of family’s needs in North Dakota.

After retiring from Human Service in North Dakota, he worked for Multiband Inc. and Orangehook Inc. Don retired from OrangeHook Inc. as the Senior Vice President, responsible for HR Department.

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Don enjoyed fishing (deep sea, rivers and lakes), hunting, woodworking (cabinetry and interior), coaching Tee Ball and soccer, and volunteering for the local honor guards. He was proud of his service in the military and always showed his gratitude for fellow veterans.

Don’s faith and family were his priority. He read the Bible six times and shared his faith with his family and friends. Don and Greta were active members of University Lutheran Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Greta Snyder; three sons, Donald Richard Snyder Jr., Scott (Nancy) Snyder and Tracy (Staci) Snyder; grandchildren, Megan (Rory) Selk, Katelyn Snyder, Gavin Snyder, Whitney (Chris) Crofts, Kaylee (Jon) Gappmaier and Jordan (Jen) Snyder, thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Iyla, Jude, Gabby, Rowan, Sophia, Hunter, Kimber, Isaiah, Benjamin, Porshea, Addie and Mollie;  numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Tunya and Mishell Snyder, granddaughter, Jessica Snyder and two infant sisters. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home.

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