Minnesota Senator’s Shocking Arrest: Unpacking the Legal and Investigation Angles

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested in an FBI sting operation after allegedly trying to pay for sex with someone he believed was a 17-year-old girl, prompting his immediate resignation and facing serious federal charges.

Quick Takes

Republican Senator Justin Eichorn, 40, was arrested after arranging to pay for sex with someone he thought was a 17-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover officer.
Police found cash and an unopened condom in Eichorn’s truck when they arrested him at the meeting location in Bloomington.
Eichorn faces federal charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution.
Senate Republicans planned to expel Eichorn before he resigned his position following the arrest.
The arrest was part of a larger sting operation targeting commercial sex involving juveniles that resulted in seven arrests total.

Sting Operation Leads to Senator’s Arrest

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested in Bloomington during an undercover operation targeting individuals seeking commercial sex with minors. The 40-year-old Republican, first elected in 2016, allegedly responded to online advertisements placed by investigators and exchanged messages with an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl. According to court documents, Eichorn arranged to meet and pay for sexual services from the supposed minor, agreeing to a specific price and location for the encounter.

When Eichorn arrived at the predetermined location near the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue in Bloomington, police were waiting. Officers arrested him outside his pickup truck without incident. A search of his vehicle revealed cash and an unopened condom, which investigators say corroborates his intent to follow through with the arranged sexual encounter. Text messages documented in the FBI affidavit show Eichorn was aware of the purported girl’s age and still proceeded with arranging the meeting.

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn (R) has officially RESIGNED after he was arrested for allegedly attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution.

He was texting who he thought was a 17-year-old girl for s*x but it was really an undercover officer. pic.twitter.com/4H5fCvJyFo

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 20, 2025

Law Enforcement’s Strong Response

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges delivered a stern message following the arrest, emphasizing the serious nature of crimes targeting minors, “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,” declared Hodges. The chief has been vocal about his department’s commitment to protecting children from predators, regardless of their position or status in the community. The operation that caught Eichorn was part of a broader initiative targeting commercial sex involving juveniles, which resulted in seven arrests total.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. reinforced the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation. Federal authorities have taken over the case, with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office dismissing state charges as federal prosecutors move forward with their case. Eichorn was initially charged in Hennepin County District Court with soliciting prostitution from a minor over the age of 16, but now faces the more serious federal charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

Political Fallout and Resignation

The arrest sparked immediate calls for Eichorn’s resignation from both political parties. Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson made it clear that his caucus would move to expel Eichorn if he did not resign, citing the severity of the charges and the need to maintain public trust. Democratic Governor Tim Walz also joined the chorus demanding Eichorn step down, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting children from predators.

Eichorn, who is married with four children, ultimately resigned from his position after the arrest became public. His resignation came as fellow lawmakers were preparing formal expulsion proceedings. The charges have shocked both colleagues and constituents, particularly given Eichorn’s family-man image. He is currently being held in Hennepin County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance, with no attorney yet listed to comment on his behalf.

Federal Case Moves Forward

Federal authorities have emphasized the seriousness with which they view crimes against children, especially when committed by public officials. The case has been transferred to federal court, where Eichorn faces potentially severe penalties if convicted. Court documents detail extensive evidence, including text messages allegedly sent by Eichorn requesting explicit photos and negotiating payment terms for sexual services with someone he believed was a minor.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and sex trafficking. Authorities continue to use undercover operations to identify and arrest individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex with minors, regardless of their position or status in society. Eichorn’s case will proceed through the federal court system, where he faces significant legal consequences if convicted of the charges against him.