Lawmaker Resigns Before Term Ends Due To Controversial Text Exchange With Sex Offender

A long-serving state senator has reportedly resigned after he allegedly exchanged text messages with a man behind bars for child pornography.

North Dakota state senator Ray Holmberg stated that the issue has caused a distraction from the important work of the legislative assembly during one of its intern meetings. He says that his resignation will take effect in June. 1, the Post reported.

“Recent news stories have become a distraction for the important work of the legislative assembly during its interim meetings,” the Republican stated. “I want to do what I can, within my power, to lessen such distractions.”

Originally, Holmberg’s term was set to end on Nov. 30. He already said back in March that this would be his last term.

A report from the Forum of Fargo reported that Holmberg had exchanged 72 text messages with an inmate identified as Nicholas James Morgan-Dosier on Apr. 1.

Morgan-Derosier is jailed on charges of possessing several thousand images and videos depicting sexually abused children. Aside from that, he is also accused of taking two children aged under 10 from Minnesota to his home in Grand Forks with the intent to sexually abuse them.

Holmberg explained that he had read about the charges before denying these in an interview. He added that the text messages were about different things, including the patio work that Morgan-Derosier did for him. The 79-year-old also said that those alleged text messages were no longer with him.

The Senator, whose political career spans 46 years, has not been charged with any crime. According to his lawyer, Mark Friese, there is no indication that he will be charged.

Also, GOP Gov. Doug Burgum said in a statement that he “supports” Holmberg’s decision to resign without commenting further while Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner said he had spoken to Holmberg before his resignation says he spoke to Holmberg before the senator announced his resignation.