A Republican state senator allegedly brought a condom and cash to what he thought was going to be a meet-up with a 17-year-old girl for sex. Now, he’s been charged by the Justice Department.
Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn, who is behind the introduction of a bill classifying “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness, was charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick announced Wednesday. News of his arrest was announced by authorities on Tuesday.
The criminal complaint alleges that Eichorn, of Grand Rapids, began to text with undercover FBI agents pretending to be underage girls offering paid sex on March 11.
“Hey [fictitious name] I saw your post and [sic] chance you are still available tonight?” Eichorn said, according to an affidavit by FBI agent Matthew Vogel. “What’s a guy gota do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.”
The following day, Eichorn asked the supposed girl if she was “available today,” according to the complaint. When an undercover officer posing as the girl said yes, Eichorn allegedly replied, “Awesome where ya at and what’s your rates.”
On the same day, Eichorn asked the fictitious girl how old she was, and officers responded: “kinda nervous 2 say… im 17 sry don’t want u 2 b mad.”
In a later conversation about age, Eichorn said he was 38 years old and allegedly told the girl: “It’s says age of consent is 16 …… over 18 is in a position of authority over you like a teacher or friends parent.”
The texts went on until March 13 and included a request from Eichorn for the girl to send “naught” pictures “with lot less clothes,” according to the allegations.
The officers arranged to meet with Eichorn on Monday. He arrived in a white Toyota Tundra and was arrested shortly after.
“During an inventory search of the vehicle, police located—amongst other things—two Apple iPhones, an unopened Trojan brand condom in the driver side door, $105 cash in the driver side door handle, and $24 cash in the center console,” the complaint stated.
Kirkpatrick, the acting U.S. attorney, said her office “has no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law—particularly those laws meant to protect children.”
“This case is yet another example of why tougher laws are necessary,” Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said. “Our state legislature must take this issue seriously—protecting children should never be up for debate.”
The Daily Beast has reached out to Eichorn’s office for comment.
“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,” Minnesota Senate Republicans said in a statement.
According to KALB, Eichorn is due to appear on court on Thursday. He is being held at the Hennepin County Jail with a $75,000 bail.
Eichorn was one of five Republicans who sponsored a Minnesota bill to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness.
