Former Lawmaker Sentencing
Former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison
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Key Points
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Eichorn originally faced a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, which carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years; the charge was dropped as part of his plea agreement to attempted possession of child pornography.
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According to court documents, Eichorn cited Minnesota’s age of consent—16—after officers told him the person he was messaging was 17. The complaint also said he negotiated prices, asked about not using a condom and discussed various sex acts.
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Officers found $130 in cash, a condom and two cellphones in Eichorn’s vehicle when he was arrested, according to the federal criminal complaint.
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Eichorn’s defense argued that prosecutors were seeking an unusually severe sentence because of his former lawmaker status, saying the requested five-year term was two and a half times longer than sentences imposed on two other defendants arrested in the same sting operation.
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Eichorn was first elected in 2016 to represent Minnesota’s Sixth District and resigned days after his arrest amid bipartisan calls for his removal.
Former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempting to possess child pornography, according to Knox Radio. The 42-year-old Republican was arrested during an undercover sting in Bloomington after responding to an online ad, exchanging messages with an officer posing as a 17-year-old girl, and agreeing to pay for sex.
Eichorn resigned from the Minnesota Senate after his arrest. The sentence includes five months already served, five years of supervised release, a $10,000 restitution payment, and restrictions on contact with minors and internet pornography, according to Minnesota Reformer. Prosecutors had sought five years in prison, but the judge imposed a lighter sentence.
How the Undercover Sting Unfolded
Eichorn responded to an online ad and began exchanging messages with an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl. According to Voice of Alexandria, the former legislator requested explicit photos and discussed various sex acts. He then drove to Bloomington, intending to pay for sex with what he believed was a minor.
When arrested, police found $130 in cash, a condom, and two cellphones in his vehicle, according to court documents cited by Mesabi Tribune. Eichorn had cited Minnesota's age of consent law—16 years old—after officers told him the person was 17. He also negotiated prices and asked about not using protection.
Plea Deal Reduced His Original Charges
Eichorn originally faced attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, which carried a mandatory 10-year minimum sentence. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors dropped that charge in exchange for his guilty plea to attempted possession of child pornography, according to Willmar Radio. The lighter charge allowed the judge more sentencing flexibility.
Defense Claimed Harsher Treatment for Former Lawmaker
Eichorn's lawyers argued prosecutors sought an unusually severe sentence because of his former political status. They requested time served and pointed out that the prosecution's five-year request was 2.5 times longer than sentences imposed on two other defendants arrested in the same sting operation, according to Minnesota Reformer.
In court, Eichorn apologized and said he accepted full responsibility for his actions. He was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016 representing the Sixth District and resigned days after his arrest amid bipartisan calls for his removal.
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