US state senator traveled to Czechia for underage sex

Former North Dakota state senator Ray Holmberg has admitted in federal court to repeatedly traveling to Prague with the intent of paying minors for sex. Holmberg, who made 14 trips to the Czech capital between 2011 and 2021, acknowledged that he engaged with underage masseurs, some of whom provided sexual services. According to the Associated Press, as part of a plea deal that avoids a trial, a second charge related to child pornography has been dropped, with prosecutors recommending a sentence below the 30-year maximum. Holmberg's confession signals the end of his long political career. Sentencing is expected to take several months.