Shocking Resignation: Minnesota State Senator Steps Down Following Undercover Solicitation Charges

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota state senator, Justin Eichorn, resigned his post after being arrested in an undercover sting for attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution. The GOP lawmaker’s departure was announced via email this Thursday.

Eichorn’s resignation comes in the wake of significant pressure from his party, which was set to initiate a motion to expel him from the Senate. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson voiced concerns, emphasizing the need to prioritize legislative duties and focus on state matters moving forward.

Eichorn, 40, was arrested in Bloomington during a probe aimed at combatting juvenile sex trafficking. The operation involved investigators posting ads online, where Eichorn responded on March 11, inquiring about meeting a girl he believed was 17. According to court documents, he exchanged messages with an undercover officer, where he discussed prices for sexual acts.

Eichorn has been charged federally with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Initially, he faced a state charge, but that was dropped once federal charges were filed.

The senator released a letter to Governor Tim Walz, stating he needed to “focus on personal matters,” and expressed his gratitude for serving in the Minnesota Senate. In a press statement, Walz supported the call for Eichorn’s resignation following the arrest, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation and the role of lawmakers in safeguarding vulnerable populations. A 2021 report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children revealed that nearly 25% of child sex trafficking victims identified in the U.S. were minors recruited online.

As society grapples with these difficult issues, it’s clear that vigilance and accountability are needed in both legal and political contexts. It’s a tough reminder that those in positions of power must uphold the trust placed in them by the community.



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