Federal Charge Filed Against MN Senator Arrested in Sex Sting

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The State Senator who was arrested earlier this week as a result of an undercover "sting" investigation conducted by Bloomington Police is now facing a federal charge.

Acting US Attorney for Minnesota Lisa Kirkpatrick today announced that 40-year-old Justin David Eichorn has been charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

“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.”

According to the federal criminal complaint, undercover Bloomington police officers began receiving messages from Eichorn, who allegedly inquired, "I saw your post and (sic) chance you are still available tonight." He is accused of following up that message with another one that stated, "What's a guy gota do to get with the hottest girl online tonight."

Bloomington police issued a news release on Tuesday saying Eichorn allegedly believed he was communicating with a 17-year-old girl, but was instead messaging with an undercover law officer.

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The federal criminal charge alleges Eichorn continued to communicate with the undercover officer and asked about pricing for various sex acts before arranging to meet in-person for the purpose of sexual contact. He was arrested when he arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location on Monday. The criminal complaint says cash and a condom were found in his vehicle.

Eichorn has also been charged in Hennepin County Court with a felony prostitution charge involving a person he reasonably believed was under the age of 18. He is scheduled to be arraigned on that charge on Thursday. His bail is currently set at $75,000.

The news of his arrest led to a call for his resignation by Minnesota Republican legislative leaders. Eichorn has represented the Grand Rapids area in the State Senate since he was first elected to the position in 2016. The Minnesota Senate website indicates he is married and has four children.

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