Minnesota State Senator Caught in FBI Operation: Details Inside

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, a Republican, has been arrested by the FBI and charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after allegedly arranging to pay for sex with what he believed was a 17-year-old girl but was actually an undercover officer.

Key Takeaways

Republican Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, 40, was arrested in an FBI sting operation after allegedly soliciting sex from someone he believed was a 17-year-old girl.
Eichorn faces federal charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution, which prompted his resignation from office.
Police found cash and an unopened condom in Eichorn’s truck upon his arrest in Bloomington, where he had arrived for a pre-arranged meeting.
Senate Republicans had planned to expel Eichorn, with leaders stating the charges merit expulsion to maintain public trust.
The operation that caught Eichorn resulted in six other arrests as part of a broader effort targeting commercial sex involving juveniles.

Arrest Details and Operation

Bloomington Police arrested Justin Eichorn as part of an undercover operation targeting individuals seeking commercial sex with minors. According to official reports, Eichorn responded to online advertisements placed by investigators and engaged in text communications with an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl. The 40-year-old state senator from Grand Rapids allegedly arranged to meet and pay for sexual services, unaware he was communicating with law enforcement the entire time.

Court documents reveal that when Eichorn arrived at the designated meeting location near the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue in Bloomington, officers promptly arrested him outside his pickup truck. A search of his vehicle uncovered cash and an unopened condom, which investigators believe further demonstrate his intentions. The married father of four was one of seven individuals apprehended during this particular sting operation conducted by Bloomington Police and federal authorities.

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn (R) has officially RESIGNED after he was arrested for allegedly attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution.

He was texting who he thought was a 17-year-old girl for s*x but it was really an undercover officer. pic.twitter.com/4H5fCvJyFo

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 20, 2025

Evidence and Charges

Federal prosecutors have charged Eichorn with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution, a serious federal offense. Initially, Eichorn faced a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor over the age of 16 in Hennepin County District Court. However, the county attorney’s office has dismissed this charge as the case proceeds at the federal level, indicating the severity of the allegations against the former state senator.

The FBI affidavit details text messages Eichorn allegedly sent to the undercover officer, showing his awareness of the purported girl’s age and his intent to engage in illicit activities. Reports indicate he even requested explicit photographs during these communications. As of the latest reports, Eichorn remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail, awaiting his initial court appearance, with no attorney listed to comment on his behalf.

Political Fallout

The political consequences for Eichorn were swift and decisive. Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson immediately announced plans to expel Eichorn, “no question that these charges merit expulsion” declared Johnson. Both Republican and Democratic leaders, including Democratic Governor Tim Walz, called for Eichorn’s resignation, which he subsequently submitted after the arrest became public knowledge.

Eichorn, who was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016, has effectively ended his political career. The resignation spares the Senate from formal expulsion proceedings, though the damage to his reputation and the serious nature of the federal charges he faces will have lasting implications beyond his political life. The case has prompted renewed calls from law enforcement leaders, including Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges, for stricter penalties against those who attempt to exploit minors.

Law Enforcement Response

Federal authorities have emphasized their commitment to protecting children from exploitation, “the actions alleged in this case are an appalling attempt to exploit an innocent and vulnerable minor,” declared FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. This case represents part of broader efforts by local and federal law enforcement to combat child exploitation and sex trafficking through targeted operations.

Eichorn is scheduled to appear in court for his initial hearing, though the exact date has not been widely reported. If convicted of the federal charges, he faces potentially severe penalties. The case continues to develop as investigators examine electronic devices seized during the arrest and process additional evidence related to the allegations against the former state senator.