Minnesota Republican state senator Justin David Eichorn was charged on Wednesday with soliciting a minor, according to federal prosecutors. The senator, who represents District 6, was arrested on Monday after engaging in online communication with an individual he believed to be a 17-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer.
Law enforcement had posted online advertisements offering commercial sex, and Eichorn responded with messages inquiring about availability. In his communications, he wrote, “I saw your post and (sic) chance you are still available tonight?” and “What’s a guy gota do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.” The undercover officer, posing as a teenage girl, repeatedly stated that she was not 18. Despite this, Eichorn continued the conversation and asked about pricing for various sex acts, according to federal prosecutors.
A meeting was arranged in Bloomington, Minnesota, where Eichorn arrived in a pickup truck and was taken into custody without incident. He was initially booked at the Bloomington Police Department jail before being transported to Hennepin County Adult Detention Center. Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges commented on the arrest, stating that individuals attempting to engage in such conduct would face consequences. He also urged state legislators to take such cases more seriously.
Eichorn has been charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick emphasized that the U.S. Attorney’s Office does not tolerate public officials violating federal laws, particularly those designed to protect children. She expressed appreciation for the work of law enforcement in conducting undercover operations to apprehend child predators.
Following Eichorn’s arrest, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota called for his resignation. The Minnesota Senate Republicans issued a statement expressing shock and stating that the alleged conduct required immediate resignation. House Republican leaders Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska echoed this sentiment, arguing that legislators must be held to a higher standard. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party also condemned Eichorn, asserting that anyone who solicits children should not hold public office.
Eichorn recently co-sponsored a bill defining “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness, describing symptoms such as hostility toward Trump and aggression toward his supporters.
