Holmberg set to resign, mum on investigation

North Dakota’s longest-serving state senator is declining to comment on whether he’s the subject of an ongoing investigation following a report that he’d traded scores of text messages with a man jailed on child pornography charges.

Seventy-nine-year-old Republican Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks had previously announced plans to resign Wednesday, six months before the end of his term.

When asked about the reason for his early departure after 46 years, Holmberg told The Associated Press: “There is a time.”

Holmberg added: “The rain will stop one of these days and things will go on,” but he declined to elaborate.

Police and federal agents in Grand Forks seized video discs and other items from Holmberg’s home in November.

Holmberg said he planned to attend a luncheon with some current and former lawmakers today (Tue). On Wednesday, he plans on turning in his state-issued computer and legislative credentials that include access to the state Capitol.

Holmberg will remain on the Legislature’s state-funded health insurance plan through July, a benefit that is worth about $1,425 monthly.

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AP