Minnesota State Senator Resigns Amidst Prostitution Solicitation Charges
Justin Eichorn, a Republican state senator representing Minnesota, tendered his resignation on Thursday, succumbing to immense pressure from both Republican and Democratic colleagues following his arrest on charges of soliciting prostitution from a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl. The resignation came just moments before the Minnesota State Senate was scheduled to vote on a motion to expel him from the chamber.
The resignation letter, read aloud by Minnesota Senate Secretary Tom Bottern, conveyed Eichorn’s need to address personal matters, while also expressing his honor in having served in the Minnesota Senate. The terse statement provided no further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Eichorn’s arrest by the Bloomington Police Department occurred on Monday, stemming from alleged communications with an undercover officer posing as a minor. The case quickly garnered national attention, compounded by the fact that Eichorn had recently co-authored a controversial bill in the Minnesota Senate that sought to define "Trump derangement syndrome" as a legitimate mental illness.
Federal prosecutors have charged Eichorn with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution.
Eichorn made his initial court appearance on Thursday afternoon before a judge. He was subsequently released from Hennepin County Jail into the custody of federal officials prior to his appearance in federal court.
During the hearing, Eichorn was represented by federal public defender Aaron Morrison, who was appointed to represent Eichorn initially, until he retained private legal counsel.
Judge Shannon Elkins ordered Eichorn to maintain residence at a halfway house, albeit with the condition that he remain in jail until a bed becomes available. Furthermore, the judge imposed restrictions on Eichorn’s movements, including a prohibition on contact with unaccompanied minors and restrictions on his ability to travel outside the state of Minnesota.
According to reports, Eichorn remained largely silent during the hearing, only confirming the charges against him.
Eichorn’s next preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 26. If convicted of the charges, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Requests for comment from Morrison were not immediately returned.
The scandal sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Democratic Governor Tim Walz, during a Wednesday press conference, joined the chorus of voices calling for Eichorn’s resignation, emphasizing that such actions against children would not be tolerated.
Republican Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson echoed these sentiments, telling the Star Tribune that Eichorn’s alleged actions warranted a motion to expel him from the state senate. Johnson stressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the distinction between felonies and other crimes, asserting that the seriousness of the alleged offense necessitated decisive action.
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy also spoke out, expressing concerns about the potential risks Eichorn’s presence in the chamber would pose to young interns working in the building. Murphy stated that it was difficult to envision how Eichorn could return to the Capitol without placing others at risk.
The bill co-authored by Eichorn and four other state senators, which sought to classify "Trump derangement syndrome" as a mental illness, had also drawn considerable attention.
The proposed bill defined the "syndrome" as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal individuals in response to the policies and presidency of Donald Trump. Symptoms included verbal expressions of extreme hostility against the former president, as well as acts of aggression and violence toward his supporters and symbols.
Federal court records revealed that detectives had placed advertisements for commercial sex on two publicly accessible websites. According to police, these advertisements attracted numerous individuals, including Eichorn, who initiated conversations with undercover agents posing as underage girls.
On March 11, investigators stated that Eichorn contacted one of the "girls" through the online advertisements, inquiring about their availability. Court records indicated that Eichorn continued to communicate with the undercover agent posing as a girl on March 12 and 13. During these interactions, investigators stated that Eichorn inquired about the "girl’s" age, to which the undercover agent replied that they were 17 years old.
Police said the conversations during these dates included "the undercover’s ‘rates,’ her supposed age, and sex acts." Four days later, Eichorn allegedly contacted the undercover agent again, this time asking when they would be available to meet up as well as again asking for "rates."
According to the court filing, text messages between Eichorn and the undercover agent were shared.
In one exchange, Eichorn allegedly displayed full awareness of the "girl’s" age. "I am 17…like I said don’t want any drama but wanna be upfront cause one guy got hella mad at me," the undercover agent texted. "Why was he so mad? I think age of consent is 17 when do ya turn 18?" Eichorn allegedly replied, according to court documents.
Court records indicated that Eichorn agreed to meet with the "girl" the following day. On Monday, police arrested him after the state senator arrived to meet the "girl." A search of Eichorn’s vehicle allegedly uncovered two phones, an unopened condom, and over $120 in cash that he believed would have covered 30 minutes of sex.
The Eichorn case has sent shockwaves through the Minnesota political landscape, prompting introspection and calls for accountability. His resignation marks a significant turning point, but the legal proceedings and the broader implications of the scandal are likely to continue to unfold in the weeks and months to come.
