Man connected to ex-North Dakota politician gets 40-year prison term for child pornography.
Breaking news out of North Dakota as a federal judge has sentenced Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier, a 36-year-old man from Grand Forks, to 40 years in prison for his involvement with child sexual abuse images. This sentencing comes after investigators found thousands of disturbing images and videos of child sexual abuse on devices at Morgan-Derosier’s residence during a warranted search.
In addition to the 40-year prison term, Chief Judge Peter Welte also ordered Morgan-Derosier to pay $39,000 in restitution to 13 victims and to serve a lifetime term of supervised release. This severe punishment stems from an indictment in January 2022 that charged Morgan-Derosier with six counts of possession of materials containing child sexual abuse images, as well as other offenses like receipt and distribution of such images, transportation of child sexual abuse images, transportation of a minor, and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
In a statement following the sentencing, North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider emphasized the gravity of Morgan-Derosier’s actions, stating, “The monstrous conduct of this defendant towards children makes this strong sentence an appropriate one. This defendant preyed on kids online and in real life, and the public is safer now that he is in the long-term custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.”
Morgan-Derosier’s case has gained wider attention due to his connections with former Republican state senator Ray Holmberg, who is facing allegations of traveling to Europe with the intention of paying for sex with a minor. Reports indicate that Holmberg and Morgan-Derosier exchanged numerous text messages in August 2021 while Morgan-Derosier was incarcerated on child sexual abuse charges.
Despite initially deciding not to seek reelection, Holmberg eventually resigned from his nearly 46-year tenure in the North Dakota Senate amidst the scandal. He has been indicted and is set to stand trial in September, but declined to comment on Morgan-Derosier’s sentencing, citing advice from his legal counsel.
As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the heinous crimes that occur behind closed doors and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The ramifications of child sexual abuse are long-lasting and devastating, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and advocacy for victims of such despicable acts.
