Former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn signals intent to plead guilty to solicitation of a minor

Sarah Nelson, The Minnesota Star Tribune on May 11, 2026

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MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn has signaled his intent to plead guilty this week to a federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor following his arrest last year in an underage prostitution sting.

The change of plea notice for Eichorn was filed in Minnesota U.S. District Court on Monday. The Grand Rapids father of four resigned from the Senate last year. He was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after Bloomington police set up the underage sex sting operation in March 2025.

The notice comes three weeks before Eichorn’s federal trial was scheduled to begin. Eichorn, who pleaded not guilty, has repeatedly challenged his federal prosecution and attempted unsuccessfully to have the case dismissed. His defense argued he was selectively targeted by Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney’s Office because of his role as a state senator. His defense referenced a public statement from then-acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick who said the office has “no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law — particularly those laws meant to protect children.”

Eichorn’s defense also took issue with his case being moved to federal court unlike most others in the sting. If convicted in federal court, his lawyers argued, Eichorn faces a stiffer sentence than if he were found guilty in Hennepin County District Court. His federal charge carries a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. After his federal charges were brought, Eichorn’s state case was dismissed.

The court ultimately ruled that the U.S. government has leeway to pursue criminal cases against anyone alleged to have violated federal law.

According to prosecutors, an undercover detective posing as a teen told Eichorn she was 17 multiple times during text exchanges, despite Eichorn’s contention that she appeared to be in her 20s. Eichorn responded he was still interested and would meet her in a Bloomington parking lot. Police arrested Eichorn in the lot and recovered two cellphones, a condom and about $130 in cash.

Eichorn was elected in 2016 to the Minnesota Senate and represented parts of Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard and Itasca counties. He was replaced by Republican Keri Heintzeman in April 2025 after a special election was held for the north-central Minnesota seat.

Eichorn remains free on bond ahead of his plea hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. in St. Paul before U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud.

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