Ex-MN Senator Faces Mandatory 10-Year Sentence In Federal Case

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — State prosecutors have dismissed a prostitution of a minor charge against former Minnesota Sen. Justin Eichorn after federal authorities filed a more serious charge in U.S. District Court.

Eichorn now faces a federal count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor — a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.

The dropped state charge — attempting to hire someone he reasonably believed was between 16 and 18 for sex — carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine under Minnesota law.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota filed the federal charge earlier last week, prompting local prosecutors to defer to the federal case.

Eichorn, 40, is married with four children. He was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016.

Eichorn submitted his resignation in a brief email to Gov. Tim Walz, saying: "I must focus on personal matters at this time. It has been an honor to serve in the Minnesota Senate."

Undercover Investigation

The charges stem from a Bloomington Police Department sting operation targeting individuals soliciting minors for sex. Officers posted online advertisements offering prostitution services.
Eichorn was among those who responded, according to the criminal complaint.

Text Conversations with Undercover Officer

Authorities say Eichorn first contacted the undercover officer on March 11, sending a text asking if she was available that night. After receiving no response, he followed up later that night and again on March 12, inquiring about rates and availability.

When the officer eventually replied, she listed rates of $80 for a "quick visit" (QV) and $120 for a half-hour (HHR). Eichorn then asked about her age, and the officer stated she was 17 years old, according to police.

Despite this, police said Eichorn continued texting over the next several days, sending messages on March 13 and March 17 to again confirm her availability and rates. He also asked for photos to "make him feel more comfortable," according to the complaint.

Among the messages, authorities say he sent:

• "I saw your post, any chance you are still available tonight?"
• "What’s a guy gotta do to get with the hottest girl online tonight?"

Eichorn also asked about specific sex acts and requested a "naughty pic," including one with "a lot less clothes," police said.

Arrest and Evidence

According to police, Eichorn eventually asked how much extra it would cost for "bare" sex—referring to unprotected intercourse. Officers then provided him with an address in Bloomington where he could meet the undercover officer.

When Eichorn arrived at the location, police arrested him on the spot. Police say a search of his vehicle uncovered:

• Two cell phones
• A Trojan condom in the driver’s side door
• $129 in cash

Investigators have obtained a search warrant for his phones as part of the ongoing investigation.