A Republican Minnesota state senator was arrested this week following allegations of attempting to solicit sex from a minor, facing federal charges.
On Wednesday, Sen. Justin Eichorn from Grand Rapids was federally charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for public officials who violate federal law—especially the laws designed to protect children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
Eichorn, 40, was also initially charged with prostitution in Hennepin County. The charge asserts that he “intentionally hired or offered or agreed to hire an individual whom [he] believed to be under the age of 18 years, but at least 16 years of age, to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact.”
However, the state charge was dismissed when Eichorn was federally charged for the same accusations—a common practice according to the county attorney’s office.
The federal charges evidence that Eichorn’s arrest followed an undercover operation aimed at addressing commercial sex involving minors, which started earlier this month.
“Law enforcement initiated online advertisements offering commercial sex. The potential sex buyers were unaware that they were engaging with undercover law enforcement officers who received and responded to their inquiries,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota stated in a press release.
On March 11, undercover officers began receiving messages from Eichorn. According to the federal complaint, he asked, “I saw your post and [sic] change you are still available tonight?” and “What’s a guy [sic] gotta do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.”
Throughout these conversations, the “girl” repeatedly indicated she was 17 years old. Following one of her disclosures, Eichorn responded, “I think the age of consent is 17; when do you turn 18? … It says the age of consent is 16 … over 18 is in a position of authority over you like a teacher or a friend’s [sic] parent,” as noted in the complaint.
Eichorn also requested pictures multiple times, including “a naughty [sic] pic of you to show me you’re [sic] real,” according to the charges.
He allegedly made arrangements to meet the girl in Bloomington, where he was arrested on Monday. Authorities searched him and his vehicle, discovering two cell phones, which will also be scrutinized, a condom, and cash, as stated in the state complaint.
Following his arrest, lawmakers from both parties in the state legislature urged for his resignation.
Eichorn was a key author of a Minnesota Senate bill to label “Trump derangement syndrome” as a mental disorder. Additionally, he was among GOP legislators who called for DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell to resign after she was charged with burglary last spring. Her trial is scheduled for June, where she has pleaded not guilty.
Eichorn remains in custody.
If you suspect a child has been a victim of exploitation, please contact the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or visit their website.
