Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, was arrested on March 17, 2025, in Bloomington, Minnesota, on allegations of soliciting a minor for prostitution.
According to law enforcement, Eichorn had been communicating online with an individual he believed to be a 16-year-old girl. However, the “minor” was actually an undercover police detective.
“I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses,” Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said. “We need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.”
The meeting was arranged near Normandale Avenue, where Eichorn arrived in a pickup truck and was taken into custody without incident. While formal charges have not yet been filed, authorities have indicated that felony charges for soliciting a minor are expected.
“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,” the Senate Republican Caucus said in a statement.
Eichorn recently co-authored a bill, introduced by Republican legislators earlier this week, titled the “Trump Derangement Syndrome” bill. The arrest has drawn significant attention, with Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy describing the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and emphasizing the need for accountability.
“The felony allegation against Senator Eichorn is deeply disturbing and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents,” Murphy said.
