Minnesota Republicans have called on a state senator from their party to resign after his arrest for soliciting a minor.
Sen. Justin Eichorn, a married father of four, was arrested in Bloomington Monday after a sting operation. The 40-year-old was charged in Hennepin County Wednesday with soliciting a minor for prostitution. The DOJ also announced federal charges against Eichorn on Wednesday for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
Authorities say Eichorn believed he was chatting with a 17-year-old girl when he arranged to meet in person on Monday, not realizing he was talking to a police detective.
Beginning March 11, Eichhorn began messaging an undercover detective and attempted to set up a sexual transaction, according to the DOJ.
“Hey [fictitious name] I saw your post and [sic] chance you are still available tonight?” he asked, later adding, "What’s a guy gota do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.”
Over the course of several days, Eichorn asked for lewd photographs and inquired about the prices for different sex acts. Eichorn also asked about the detective's age and was repeatedly told she was 17. Before meeting, Eichorn asked for a lewd photograph to verify the transaction.
“Ok how about a pic in just your bra and underwear holding up 2 fingers," he asked.
When Eichorn arrived at the designated location on Monday, police arrested him without incident. They found cash and a condom in his car, the DOJ said.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law—particularly those laws meant to protect children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “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.”
"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," Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said in a statement.
Eichorn's resignation would impact the balance of power in Minnesota's closely divided legislature, since Democrats have only a one-vote majority in the 67-member Senate. The state's Republicans swiftly called for Eichorn, a state senator since 2017, to resign.
"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," a Senate Republican Caucus statement said.
Eichorn's arrest came hours after he garnered attention for proposing a bill that would classify "Trump derangement syndrome" as a mental illness.
