MN Sen. Resigns After Underage Prostitution Sting: 'Personal Matters'

BLOOMINGTON, MN — A Minnesota Republican state senator resigned Thursday after being accused of soliciting sex from an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl.

Justin Eichorn, 40, who represents the Grand Rapids area, was charged Wednesday in Hennepin County with soliciting a person for prostitution while believing they were under 18 but at least 16.

Additionally, he faces a federal charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

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."

If convicted, Eichorn could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine under state law, with potentially harsher penalties at the federal level.

His bail was set at $75,000, and he remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail as of Wednesday.

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

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.

Political Fallout

Following his arrest, Minnesota Senate Republicans issued a statement calling for Eichorn’s immediate resignation:

“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 Democratic Party Executive Director Heidi Kraus Kaplan also condemned Eichorn:

“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.”

Timing of the Arrest

Eichorn’s arrest came just hours after he introduced a bill seeking to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness.