Hennepin County Attorney’s Office charges State Sen. Justin Eichorn, others, after Bloomington Police undercover operation

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, with soliciting prostitution from a minor over the age of 16 following his arrest by Bloomington Police Monday. The office’s charging deadline was 12 p.m. today, and after reviewing the case, the office determined that charges were appropriate. The U.S. Attorney’s Office subsequently charged Sen. Eichorn based on the same allegations. Because it is common practice for the state case to be dismissed when federal charges are filed, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will now dismiss the state case.

Additionally, charges have been filed against six other individuals for similar crimes as a result of the same undercover operation. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will continue to hold accountable the people who engaged in this illegal behavior.

“These are serious allegations against Sen. Eichorn as well as the other individuals charged as a result of this undercover operation,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “We thoroughly reviewed the cases submitted to us by Bloomington Police to reach an appropriate charging decision. There is an understandable interest in Sen. Eichorn’s case because of his position, but, in accordance with our policy, we will not be sharing further details.”

#30#