Federal prosecutors seek 5-year prison term for former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn in child sex sting

Sarah Nelson, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Sep 4, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

MINNEAPOLIS — Federal prosecutors are seeking a prison term longer than recommended by sentencing guidelines for former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn, describing him as a “predatory” offender who showed a wanton willingness to sexually exploit a minor.

Eichorn, 42, is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 23, after pleading guilty in St. Paul federal court to possessing child pornography for messaging and planning to meet who he thought was a 17-year-old girl for paid sex. The Grand Rapids Republican and father of four resigned from his seat soon after his arrest in the undercover sex sting. His wife has since filed for divorce.

Federal sentencing guidelines detailed in Eichorn’s plea advise a prison term of 1¼ years to just short of two years. Prosecutors are seeking additional time, asking the court to render a 5-year prison sentence followed by a lifetime of supervised release with restrictions on Eichorn’s internet use.

“The defendant’s course of criminal activity is heinous,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing recommendation brief, calling Eichorn’s crimes a “danger to every child within his reach.”

Eichorn admitted during his plea hearing that he responded to an online ad on March 11, 2025, seeking sex from someone he thought was a 17-year-old girl. A Bloomington police officer posing as the girl told Eichorn at several points in their conversation that she was 17. After receiving photos of the officer, Eichorn said she appeared to be in her 20s. The officer told him once more she was 17 and if he wasn’t interested, “Bye.” Eichorn then drove to Bloomington where he was arrested.

By pleading guilty to the lesser child pornography charge, Eichorn avoided a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years had he been convicted of his initial charge of attempted enticement of a minor.

Eichorn repeatedly challenged his federal case, arguing he was unfairly targeted by Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney’s Office because of his role as a state senator. His defense attorney often pointed to a statement from then-acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick in a news release that said the office “has no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law — particularly those laws meant to protect children.”

The defense also noted Eichorn’s case was brought to federal court, unlike many of the other men caught in the Bloomington police sex sting. His state case was dismissed after federal prosecutors filed charges against him.

Eichorn was elected to the state Senate in 2016. His district covers parts of Itasca, Crow Wing and Cass counties. Sen. Keri Heintzeman won the seat after a special election was held following Eichorn’s arrest and resignation.

-----------