Editor's Note: KAXE typically would not identify someone until they've been charged in court, but is making an exception because of the seriousness of the alleged crime and the prominence of the individual.
This is a developing story. Check back at KAXE.org for more information.
BLOOMINGTON — State Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, was arrested Monday, March 17, after he allegedly attempted to solicit a minor for sex.
The Bloomington Police Department announced in a news release that the 40-year-old Minnesota lawmaker was arrested on the 6800 block of Normandale Avenue after communicating with a Bloomington detective pretending to be a 17-year-old girl online.
Police reported Eichorn was observed arriving in the area by pickup truck. Eichorn was arrested without incident outside of his vehicle by uniformed Bloomington Police officers.
“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,” stated Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges in the release.
“I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses," Hodges continued, pointing to the recent case involving an Eden Prairie man charged with rape while out on bail for soliciting minors for sex. "We need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously."
Eichorn was taken into custody at the Bloomington City Jail and was expected to be transferred to the Hennepin Adult Detention Center, according to the release.
He has not yet been charged or appeared in court.
Eichorn has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2016. He was reelected in 2020 and 2022. Following redistricting, Senate District 6 includes the city of Grand Rapids and extends southward to include the majority of Crow Wing County and northeastern Cass County.
In February, he was named chairman of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
UPDATE
Tuesday afternoon, both parties released statements demanding Eichorn's immediate resignation.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus wrote, "We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family."
The DFL Party also made a resignation demand.
“No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol,” stated Heidi Kraus Kaplan, Minnesota DFL executive director. “The facts presented by the Bloomington Police Department make it clear that Senator Eichorn is an immediate danger to the public and must resign immediately.”
UPDATE 2 - 8:15 am 3/19: The Bloomington Police Department updated its news release to correct the age used by the undercover officer to 17 years old.
KAXE regrets the error.
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