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4w ago

Former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn Faces Federal Charges for Soliciting Minor and Evidence Tampering

Eichorn remains in custody as prosecutors oppose his release, citing public safety concerns and allegations of concealing evidence and lying about firearm possession.

The nameplate stands empty on the desk that belonged to Republican Justin Eichorn, who resigned earlier, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the Minnesota Senate chamber in the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
The chair for Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, sits empty in a Senate hearing room in the State Capitol complex in St. Paul on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, a day after his arrest in Bloomington for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
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Overview

  • Justin Eichorn, ex-Minnesota state senator, was arrested on March 17 for soliciting a minor in a police sting operation involving an undercover agent posing as a 17-year-old girl.
  • Prosecutors allege Eichorn requested explicit photos, referenced the age of consent to justify his actions, and attempted to meet the fictitious minor in person.
  • Following his arrest, Eichorn allegedly orchestrated efforts to conceal evidence, including a factory-reset iPhone and a computer, and lied about having firearms in his possession.
  • Federal agents found incriminating items in his apartment, including a handgun, ammunition, $1,000 in cash, and state Senate business cards during a search on March 21.
  • Eichorn resigned from the Minnesota Senate on March 20, and his wife filed for divorce on March 24; he remains in custody ahead of his joint preliminary and detention hearing.