Minnesota Legislator Accused of Soliciting Minor for Sex in Sting Operation

Former Minnesota state Republican lawmaker Justin Eichorn was charged with a felony in federal court earlier this week for allegedly trying to buy sex from an underage girl. After being charged with the crime, he resigned from his seat in the Minnesota state legislature.

Eichorn is charged with “attempted coercion and enticement of a minor” after he replied to online sex ads and then attempted to meet with a 17-year-old. The evidence includes text messages between the suspect and the undercover officer posing as the underage girl.

Eichorn is charged in the criminal complaint with “knowingly using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, and/or that Eichorn attempted to do so, all in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).”

Police in Bloomington, Minnesota, were participating in a “multi-jurisdictional sex trafficking juvenile demand suppression operation.” They created ads that were published on two sexual websites showing photos of an actor posing as a young woman. In an affidavit, authorities say the two websites were targeted by police because they are known for human trafficking.

In the ad the young woman’s photo was used with verbiage saying “cum $pend time with me.”

In a series of text messages between the undercover officer and a phone number attributed to Eichorn, the former legislator texted on March 11 asking if he could see the young woman that night. One text read, “What’s a guy gota [sic] do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.” The sender then asked for her schedule and rates.

Eichorn allegedly asked her about her age, and the undercover agent replied saying, “kinda nervous 2 say,” and “im 17 sry don’t want u 2 b mad.”

A day later, Eichorn allegedly sent more texts to what he believed was a 17-year-old girl, asking for a “naught pic of you to show me your real”. The undercover agent sent him a photo, and then Eichorn replied, “Got anything with lot less clothes?”

The complaint refers to more evidence against Eichorn, via texts, which escalated over a few days. When he allegedly called again, he asked if the young woman would travel with him, and the agent replied “bare is extra” referring to sex without a condom. His reply was, “Ok how much extra?”

The agent also said once again she was underage, writing to Eichorn, “I am 17 … like I said don’t want any drama but wanna be upfront cause one guy got hella mad at me.”

Then Eichorn sent another message, asking the agent, “Why was he so mad? I think age of consent is 17 when do ya turn 18?”

In a reply to Eichorn’s question about when she would be 18, she said she would not be 18 until December, which was 7 months later.

Eichorn allegedly replied saying, “It’s says age of consent is 16 … over 18 is in a position of authority over you like a teacher or friends parent.”

After plans to meet the young woman were made, authorities were waiting and arrested Eichorn. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of two iPhones, $129 in cash, and an unopened Trojan condom, found in his car.

In the Minnesota legislature, Eichorn is known for submitting an oddball bill, co-authored with five other Republicans, including “Trump derangement syndrome” in the definition of “mental illness” under Minnesota law.

The bill was introduced in the Minnesota legislature on Monday (two days before Eichorn’s arrest) and assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee.