First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl has been named The Forum’s 2025 Area Person of the Year for her significant role in bringing former North Dakota state senator Ray Holmberg to justice in a complex international child sex abuse case. Puhl emphasized that the victims deserve the recognition, as their courage to come forward was pivotal in securing Holmberg’s indictment and subsequent conviction.
Puhl, a native of Devils Lake, North Dakota, has dedicated over two decades to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where her efforts in prosecuting child sex abuse cases have had a profound impact on the community. Her work on the Holmberg case, which culminated in a ten-year prison sentence, illustrates her commitment to justice for vulnerable individuals.
A Commitment to Justice
“The credit needs to go to the victims because they’re the ones that have the strength and the courage to come forward,” Puhl stated. Her determination, combined with support from law enforcement agencies, was essential in navigating the complexities of the case. North Dakota U.S. Attorney Nick Chase described Puhl as a dedicated professional who prioritizes her work over public recognition, noting, “Jennifer is the antithesis” of those who seek attention in their legal careers.
Puhl’s path to becoming a federal prosecutor diverged from her family’s background in plumbing. After realizing her passion for law, she graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2000 and began her career with a clerkship for Justice Mary Muehlen Maring of the North Dakota Supreme Court. In 2002, she joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, seizing an opportunity created by a post-9/11 expansion.
Addressing the Growing Threat
Puhl’s focus on prosecuting child sex abuse cases, especially those involving the internet, has become increasingly vital. She noted that the number of reported cyber tips in North Dakota has skyrocketed, from approximately 100 a decade ago to a projected 2,300 by the end of this year. The nature of these cases has evolved, with younger victims and more sophisticated offenders, making Puhl’s role even more crucial.
Her first trial, co-prosecuted with then-U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley, resulted in the conviction of Casey Scott Patten, marking North Dakota’s first federal internet luring case. Puhl believes that the combination of her extensive experience and the support from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been instrumental in her success, stating, “The BCI has some of the best forensic examiners in the country.”
In her role, Puhl coordinates various initiatives, including the Project Safe Childhood, which addresses child exploitation. Her accolades extend beyond her local achievements; in 2016, she was nominated by Barack Obama for a judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, although her appointment was never considered by the Senate.
Holmberg’s case, which involved multiple trips to Prague from 2011 to 2016, highlighted the complexity of international investigations. Evidence suggested that he groomed young men over decades, leveraging his political influence to exploit vulnerable individuals. Puhl’s relentless pursuit led to Holmberg’s indictment in October 2023, with the former senator ultimately pleading guilty to charges related to his international activities.
In March 2025, U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced Holmberg to ten years in federal prison, marking a significant moment in North Dakota’s legal history as the first charge of its kind in federal court. Puhl noted that without the victims’ testimonies and the dedication of her team, this moment might never have occurred.
“It was like taking on Goliath,” Puhl reflected on the challenges faced in building the case against Holmberg. Her efforts to seek justice for those targeted by Holmberg’s predatory behavior are a testament to her commitment to protecting the vulnerable and holding powerful individuals accountable.
As Puhl continues her work, she remains thankful for the support of her colleagues and the law enforcement community. “I still have to pinch myself,” she said, expressing her gratitude for a career focused on meaningful and impactful work. The recognition as The Forum’s Area Person of the Year underscores her significant contributions to the community and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of child sex abuse.
