A former Minnesota state senator has pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor for prostitution. The case involves Justin Eichorn, who was apprehended during a police sting operation. His plea was entered during a brief court appearance before Magistrate Judge Shannon Elkins, who approved his request for additional time for his legal team to review the evidence. As a result, the trial, initially scheduled for June 9, will be rescheduled.
The 40-year-old former senator from Grand Rapids was arrested on March 17 in Bloomington. According to court documents, he allegedly communicated via text messages with an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl, arranging a meeting for sex in exchange for money. Federal prosecutors later assumed control of the case, and Eichorn was released to a halfway house in Duluth on March 26. A grand jury subsequently issued a felony indictment against him on April 1. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
Eichorn resigned from his Senate position on March 20. A special election to fill the vacant seat is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 29, with Republican Keri Heintzeman and Democrat Denise Slipy as the candidates.
