FARGO — Jennifer Puhl, the federal prosecutor instrumental in convicting former state senator Ray Holmberg for international child sex abuse, has been named The Forum’s 2025 Area Person of the Year. Puhl attributes her success to the victims, 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 work led to an indictment and a prison sentence for Holmberg, a Republican who served in the North Dakota Senate from 1977 to 2022.
Puhl has been with the North Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office for over two decades, focusing on prosecuting child sex abuse cases, particularly those involving the internet. Her dedication has earned her recognition not only from the public but also from colleagues. Nick Chase, North Dakota’s U.S. Attorney, emphasized her commitment, saying, “Jennifer is the antithesis” of attention-seeking attorneys.
The Forum’s annual award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact on the community. Puhl’s relentless pursuit of justice for abuse victims has sparked important discussions and changes within the legal framework surrounding child protection.
Reflecting on her career, Puhl expressed gratitude for the support she receives from law enforcement partners. “I still have to pinch myself,” she remarked, “This is just the most incredible job… It’s sad, but you really do feel like it’s righteous work.”
Puhl’s path to the U.S. Attorney’s Office was unconventional. Originally from a family of plumbers, she discovered her passion for law during a summer job in her father’s shop. After graduating from the University of North Dakota School of Law, she clerked for Justice Mary Muehlen Maring before moving to a private firm in Minneapolis. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks opened opportunities for her to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she was hired in 2002 by then-U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley.
Puhl’s work has evolved significantly since her early days in the office. She noted a dramatic increase in internet-related child sex abuse cases, from about 100 cyber tips in her early career to an estimated 2,300 by the end of 2023. The complexity of these cases has also heightened, with younger victims and more sophisticated offenders.
Her first trial, which ended in the conviction of former Concordia College track coach Casey Scott Patten, set a precedent as North Dakota’s first federal internet luring case. Puhl’s collaborative efforts with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security have been crucial in prosecuting offenders effectively.
The investigation into Holmberg was particularly challenging, spanning several years and requiring international cooperation. Holmberg was accused of traveling to Prague multiple times from 2011 to 2016 with the intent to exploit children. Although he was not charged with domestic crimes, evidence suggested a longstanding pattern of grooming young men.
After a lengthy investigation, Puhl secured an indictment against Holmberg in October 2023. He pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 10 years in federal prison in March 2025. This case represents a historic milestone in North Dakota’s legal history, marking the first federal charge of its kind in the state.
Despite the challenges of her role, Puhl remains focused on protecting vulnerable individuals. She highlighted the importance of her team and the resources available through law enforcement agencies. “The BCI, I think they have some of the best forensic examiners in the country,” she said.
Her leadership extends beyond prosecution; she coordinates initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood and works on cases involving human trafficking and computer hacking. In 2016, she was nominated by then-President Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, but her appointment was never considered by the Senate.
Puhl’s career reflects a commitment not only to the law but to the individuals affected by its application. Her tenacity and integrity have positioned her as a pivotal figure in the fight against child exploitation, and her recognition as The Forum’s 2025 Area Person of the Year underscores the profound impact of her work.
