Federal prosecutors accuse the senator of the State of Minnesota for requesting a minor for prostitution

STREET. Paul, Minn. (AP) – A state senator from Minnesota who was Caught in a stinger operation He was accused of requesting a minor for prostitution on Wednesday, one day after his Republicans asked him to resign.

The senator of the Republican Party Justin Eichorn, 40, of Grand Rapid, was arrested in Bloomington on Monday in an undercover operation aimed at commercial sex that involves minors. The researchers had placed multiple online ads that offer sex for money, according to a press release from the United States prosecutor’s office.

Court documents indicate that Eichorn began sending messages in response to the ads on March 11.

“I saw your publication and (sic) possibilities that you are still available tonight?” One asked, according to an affidavit of the FBI, while a later message asked: “What does a boy do to get with the most popular girl online tonight”?

Eichorn exchanged messages with an undercover officer who passed a 17 -year -old girl for several days, asking about the price of several sexual acts and requesting a photo, said the affidavit. They organized a meeting on Monday, where he arrived to find the Police ready to arrest him. The officers confiscated two cell phones, a condom and $ 129 in cash, he said.

The federal position is attempted and the incentive of a minor to participate in prostitution. Six other suspects were arrested in the bite, prosecutors said.

Eichorn remained in Hennepin County prison on Wednesday. Federal and state judicial records do not list a lawyer who can comment on his behalf, and the prison does not allow telephone calls to inmates.

The County Prosecutor’s Office said a state position would be eliminated to request a minor for prostitution and the case of Eichorn would proceed to a federal court. It was not clear immediately when it could be transferred to federal custody. The Office of the County Prosecutor and the United States Prosecutor’s Office have not explained why the federal authorities took over the case.

According to the profile of the Senate of Eichorn, he is married and has four children. He lists his profession as an entrepreneur and was first chosen in 2016.

The Senate and the Republicans of the House of Representatives demanded on Tuesday that Eichorn renounces immediately.

“The Office of the United States prosecutor does not have tolerance to public officials who violate federal law, particularly those laws aimed at protecting children,” said Internal Prosecutor Lisa D. Kirkpatrick in a statement.

“The actions alleged in this case are a frightening attempt to exploit an innocent and vulnerable minor,” said FBI’s special agent Alvin M. Winston Mr. in the same statement. “The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting children from predators who seek to damage them. Each child deserves to grow in a safe environment, free from the threat of exploitation.”

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