MNNEAPOLIS — Federal agents took charge of State Senator Justin Eickhorn after his arrest in a suburban police sex sting. Originally Eichorn was booked at the Bloomington jail, but the local prosector turned him over on superseding federal charges. He was transferred to the Hennepin County jail in Minneapolis. Bail was set at $75,000
Verbatim
Lisa Kirkpatrick, acting U.S. attorney, expressed “no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law — particularly those laws meant to protect children. Also: “I am grateful to all law enforcement officers who use undercover operations to identify and arrest child sex predators to prevent them from abusing real children.”
The take-down
As condensed from the criminal complaint: Undercover officers began receiving messages from Eichorn: “I saw your post and “any chance you are still available tonight?” Later: “What’s a guy gota do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.” Over the course of messaging over several days, the undercover officer repeatedly said that “she” was not 18 years old but 17. Even so, Eichorn proceeded to ask about pricing for various sex acts and arranged an in-person meet-up. Eichorn also requested that the “girl” him a “naughty pic”’ including one with a “ lot less clothes.” Eichorn arrived at the agreed-upon location to find police waiting. In his car, among other things, police found $129 cash and a condom.