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Former Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn is due in court Thursday morning and is expected to plead guilty in a child solicitation case.

Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, was arrested in March 2025 following a sting operation. He allegedly texted with and arranged to meet someone who he believed to be a 17-year-old — who was actually an undercover detective. He was charged in federal court with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. 

 to those charges, which carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. 

A change of plea hearing is scheduled in federal court in St. Paul Thursday. Court records do not include the details of any plea deal Eichorn made with prosecutors. 

Charging documents allege that Eichorn contacted the supposed 17-year-old girl through a phone number in an online prostitution ad. An undercover detective responded, telling him she was 17. 

Charges say Eichorn was not deterred by her age and continued texting the number for several days, eventually arranging to meet in Bloomington. Law enforcement arrested Eichorn when he arrived at the arranged meeting spot. 

 shortly after his arrest, amid calls to step down from both Republicans and Democrats.

Eichorn was scheduled to face trial next month.

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Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, was arrested in March 2025 following a sting operation. He allegedly texted with and arranged to meet someone who he believed to be a 17-year-old.

Former State Sen. Eichorn in court Friday for change of plea hearing

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