Eichorn files notice of intent to change plea in minor solicitation case

ST. PAUL — Former State Sen. Justin Eichorn appears to be changing his plea to guilty for the federal criminal charge of soliciting a minor.

Eichorn filed a notice of a change of plea on Monday, May 11, and a hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday in St. Paul before Judge Eric C. Tostrud.

His trial was set to begin June 1.

More Coverage of the Case

Ex-Sen. Eichorn's trial for allegedly soliciting minor moved to June

In seeking to move the date, Eichorn waived his rights to a speedy trial, but said he does intend to proceed to a jury trial.

Judge rejects former lawmaker Eichorn's claims of vindictive prosecution

A federal judge rejected most of Justin Eichorn's defense motions to dismiss the case or suppress evidence in a Nov. 26, 2025, order and recommendation.

Eichorn seeks dismissal of sex sting charge over vindictive prosecution

The former Minnesota state senator is one of two people being charged at the federal level, which carries a tougher maximum sentence compared to the state level.

Judge finds probable cause against Eichorn, allows release to halfway house

Justin Eichorn was arrested on March 17, 2025, at a parking lot in Bloomington, where he allegedly expected to meet the underage girl to pay for sex.

Prosecutors: Eichorn lied about gun, asked for help removing laptop from apartment

In a new motion, the federal government is asking for the former state senator to remain jailed, calling him a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Eichorn resigns from Minnesota Senate after minor solicitation arrest

The resignation means a vote to expel the senator will no longer take place, and lays the groundwork for a special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 6.

Charge: Eichorn repeatedly asked for paid sex rates, age from undercover officer

Police arrested the 40-year-old Grand Rapids Republican on March 17, 2025, in Bloomington after he arrived to meet who he apparently believed was a 17-year-old sex worker.

MN Sen. Eichorn arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor for sex

The MN Republican was arrested March 17, 2025, in Bloomington after allegedly showing up to meet police after communicating with who he believed was a 17-year-old girl.

Eichorn was charged in March 2025 after a prostitution sting operation in Bloomington, where an undercover police officer posed as a 17-year-old online. The former legislator who represented Senate District 6, including the cities of Grand Rapids and Brainerd, resigned shortly after the criminal charge.

In late April, Eichorn’s attorney filed a notice stating they intended to rely upon the defenses of entrapment and outrageous government misconduct in the trial.

Eichorn had claimed he was singled out for a federal charge because of his status as a public official.

But in November, the judge rejected the defense’s claims of vindictive prosecution and attempts to suppress evidence.