Ex-Senator Eichorn Awaits Trial in Minor Solicitation Case

Former Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn has pleaded not guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted enticement of a minor after his arrest in a police sex trafficking sting. Prosecutors allege he responded to an online prostitution ad posted by law enforcement and arranged to pay for sex with someone he believed to be a 17-year-old girl. Eichorn resigned from the Senate in March following his arrest and is now staying at a halfway house in Duluth while awaiting trial. His trial has been postponed to give his defense more time to review evidence. Eichorn's attorneys have requested modification of his release conditions to allow contact with his children due to ongoing divorce proceedings. A special election to fill his vacated seat is scheduled for April 29, and if convicted, Eichorn faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.