Minnesota State Senator Faces Federal Charges for Soliciting a Minor

Republican Minnesota state Senator Justin Eichorn is facing serious allegations after being charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota. The charges stem from a sting operation conducted by law enforcement, who posed as a 17-year-old girl in online communications with Eichorn.

An affidavit signed by an FBI special agent lays out the troubling details. Eichorn allegedly initiated contact with what he believed to be a minor, expressing interest in arranging a meeting and paying for sex. Bloomington Police detectives communicated with Eichorn, who reportedly sent text messages that ranged from flirtatious to explicit, despite being informed of the fictitious girl's age.

On March 17, Eichorn arrived at a location near Normandale Avenue in Bloomington to meet the supposed minor. Officers observed him pulling up in a pickup truck and arrested him without incident. Police reportedly found cash and an unopened condom in his vehicle, adding weight to the charges.

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges minced no words about the situation. "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," he stated in a press release. Hodges also called for stricter penalties for such offenses, highlighting a similar recent case to underscore the need for legislative action.

The fallout for Eichorn was swift. Senate Republicans announced plans to expel him from the state Senate, with Republican Leader Mark Johnson emphasizing the severity of the charges. "There is no question that these charges merit expulsion," Johnson said, adding that the move reflects the need to hold public officials to the highest standards.

Eichorn has not provided any public comment on the charges. Fox News Digital reached out to his office, but no response was given by publication time. As of now, the case has left many Minnesotans grappling with the shocking allegations against one of their elected officials.