REGIONAL — Former state Sen. Justin Eichorn pleaded guilty last Thursday to a reduced federal felony charge stemming from the undercover teen solicitation sting that led to his arrest in 2025.
Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child pornography under a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court in St. Paul. Under the agreement, prosecutors will move to dismiss the original charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after sentencing. That charge carried a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.
Under the plea agreement, federal sentencing guidelines recommend a prison term of 15 to 21 months, although U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud has discretion to impose a sentence outside those guidelines. The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.
According to the plea agreement, Eichorn admitted he responded to an online prostitution advertisement in March 2025 and continued communicating with someone he believed to be a 17-year-old girl after being told her age.
Court records indicate Eichorn requested photos and later drove to Bloomington for an arranged meeting, where he was arrested in a parking lot by law enforcement officers.
Eichorn had originally pleaded not guilty and had sought dismissal of the case, arguing in part that he was being selectively prosecuted because of his status as a state senator. Earlier this year, Tostrud rejected motions seeking dismissal of the case and suppression of evidence.
Defense attorney Charles Hawkins argued Thursday that Eichorn should remain free pending sentencing, describing the incident in court as “a single incident of abhorrent behavior.” Hawkins also cited Eichorn’s ongoing treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and upcoming divorce proceedings.
Tostrud denied the request, finding the circumstances did not justify release under federal detention rules.
Eichorn was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following Thursday’s hearing and will remain jailed pending sentencing.
A sentencing date had not yet been set as of Wednesday.
Eichorn resigned from the Minnesota Senate days after his March 2025 arrest amid bipartisan calls for him to step down. He had represented Senate District 6 since 2017.
As part of the plea agreement, Eichorn will serve at least five years of supervised release following any prison sentence and is expected to register as a sex offender.