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UPDATE: After the Babbitt Weekly went to press, Sen. Justin Eichorn resigned from his Senate seat.
by Tom Coombe
An Iron Range legislator is facing calls to resign - including many from within his own party - after he was arrested Monday night and subsequently charged with soliciting prostitution from a police officer posing as a 17-year-old girl.
Bloomington police arrested State Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) without incident after he showed up to allegedly meet with the girl.
A federal felony charge was filed Wednesday against Eichorn, 40, who remained in Hennepin County Jail with bail set at $75,000.
He faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted.
Eichorn, who is in his third term in the State Senate and chairs the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, allegedly responded to online advertisements for prostitution posted by Bloomington police.
In the aftermath of the arrest and charge, which generated statewide publicity, numerous Republicans have called for Eichorn to step down from the legislature.
Among those was State Rep. Roger Skraba (R) of Ely, who echoed the widespread sentiments of many within his party.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Skraba. “He is responsible for his actions and those will be dealt with in the very near future. There is no question that these charges merit expulsion.”
Authorities allege that Eichorn was in contact with the police detective posing as the 17-year-old girl since last week when the lawmaker is said to have responded to an online advertisement.
According to the federal complaint, the person responding to the texts - the detective - informed Eichorn that she was 17 years old. Eichorn then allegedly made additional contact and set up a meeting for Monday.
One text exchange cited in the federal complaint says the person alleged to be Eichorn asked how old the person on the other end was.
The detective responded that “I am 17,” and a message from Eichorn indicated “I think age of consent is 17 when do ya turn 18?”
The charging document outlines a series of exchanges between Eichorn and the detective, including requests for explicit photos and discussion about the type and manner of sexual conduct sought.
Authorities say Eichorn allegedly had cash, a condom and two cell phones with him when he was arrested.
The federal complaint alleges that as law enforcement officers approached
Eichorn they observed him “manipulating his phone and discarding it in his vehicle,” in a white truck registered to him that the lawmaker drove to the meeting spot.
Published reports late Wednesday indicated that Senate Republicans would initiate proceedings to expel Eichorn, who was slated to make his first court appearance Thursday.
Gov. Tim Walz joined many Republicans in recommending that Eichorn step down.
Eichorn is married with four children and was first elected to the legislature in 2016.
