BREAKING: U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl has been named The Forum’s 2025 Area Person of the Year following her groundbreaking work in prosecuting former North Dakota state Senator Ray Holmberg for child sex abuse. This recognition comes just months after Puhl secured a significant indictment against Holmberg, who was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in March 2025 for international child exploitation.
In an urgent statement, Puhl emphasized that the true heroes are the victims who bravely came forward, stating, “The credit needs to go to the victims because they’re the ones that have the strength and the courage to come forward.” Her relentless pursuit of justice has not only impacted the lives of the victims but has also sparked a vital discourse on child safety and abuse in the community.
Puhl has dedicated over two decades to the North Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she has been instrumental in tackling complex child sex abuse cases, particularly those involving the internet. The recent conviction of Holmberg marks a pivotal moment in North Dakota’s legal history, as it is the first case of its kind to be prosecuted federally in the state.
Holmberg, who served in the state legislature from 1977 to 2022, was found guilty of planning to sexually abuse children abroad, specifically in Prague, between 2011 and 2016. Puhl’s investigation required international cooperation, with U.S. State and Justice departments involved to gather crucial evidence.
Puhl’s relentless efforts were backed by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provided essential forensic support. Puhl highlighted the sophisticated techniques law enforcement now employs to combat child exploitation, noting, “The BCI, I think they have some of the best forensic examiners in the country.”
In her role, Puhl has gained recognition not only for her legal prowess but also for her integrity and dedication. North Dakota U.S. Attorney Nick Chase praised her commitment to justice, stating, “Jennifer is the person who slogs away in her office, no fanfare.”
The scope of internet-related child sex abuse cases has surged dramatically since Puhl began her career. In just over a decade, North Dakota has seen a rise from 100 cyber tips related to child sex abuse to an estimated 2,300 tips expected by the end of this year. The complexity of these cases has also escalated, with younger victims and more violent content surfacing online.
Puhl’s journey to this impactful role began after she graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law. Following her clerkship with North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Mary Muehlen Maring, she joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she has since become a key figure in child protection initiatives, including Project Safe Childhood.
Reflecting on her career, Puhl expressed her gratitude: “I’m deeply grateful to work in an office and with law enforcement agencies that support me.” Her determination stems from a personal connection to the victims, as she believes Holmberg exploited his power to prey on the vulnerable.
Puhl’s work culminated in a historic indictment against Holmberg in October 2023, where he pleaded guilty to charges related to his abusive actions. The case has not only highlighted the necessity of supporting victim testimonies but has also set a precedent for future cases in North Dakota.
As the community recognizes Puhl’s achievements, her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of standing up for those who have suffered in silence. Puhl’s pursuit of justice is a beacon of hope for victims everywhere, proving that with determination, change is possible.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the community continues to rally behind Puhl and the fight against child abuse.
