MINNEAPOLIS – Republican State Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids has been federally charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota says on March 11 undercover officers received messages from Eichorn saying “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.”
Prosecutors say over several days the undercover officer repeatedly said they were 17-years-old. They add Eicorn asked the officer about the price for sex acts she might perform and Eicorn arranged an in-person meeting to pay for sex. Eichorn also allegedly asked the officer to “send him “a naught[y] pic” including one “with lot less clothes.”
Eichorn showed up in Bloomington where he was arrested.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law—particularly those laws meant to protect children. I am grateful to the Bloomington Police Department, to the FBI, and to all law enforcement officers who use undercover operations to identify and arrest child sex predators to prevent them from abusing real children,” Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Lisa D. Kirkpatrick said.
“The actions alleged in this case are an appalling attempt to exploit an innocent and vulnerable minor,. The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting children from predators who seek to harm them. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from the threat of exploitation, Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis said.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Republican State Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids was arrested Monday on suspicion of soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Bloomington Police say a detective posed as a 16-year-old girl and communicated with the 40-year-old, arranging to meet him near the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue. Authorities say Eichorn arrived by pickup and was detained without incident.
“We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family,” Minnesota Senate Republicans said in a statement.
“No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol. The facts presented by the Bloomington Police Department make it clear that Senator Eichorn is an immediate danger to the public and must resign immediately,” The Minnesota DFL Party said in a statement.
“As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone’s child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up. I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses. We need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.” Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said.
Eichorn’s biography on the legislature’s website says he’s married and has four children.
Earlier this week, he introduced a bill to classify so-called “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness under state law.
