Key takeaways:
- Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn resigned following a federal criminal charge related to a prostitution sting operation, where he allegedly solicited sex from an undercover officer posing as a minor.
- Eichorn’s resignation was prompted by the seriousness of the charges and pressure from both Republican and Democratic colleagues, who were prepared to expel him from the Senate to maintain its integrity.
- The incident highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat commercial sex activities involving minors, with legal proceedings against Eichorn still in progress.
Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn has resigned following a federal criminal charge related to a prostitution sting operation. The Republican senator from Grand Rapids submitted his resignation on Thursday, as confirmed by Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. Eichorn’s resignation comes in the wake of allegations that he solicited sex from someone he believed to be a 17-year-old, who was actually an undercover police officer.
The incident occurred during a sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, aimed at curbing commercial sex activities involving minors. Eichorn, aged 40, has been in custody since his arrest on Monday. The charges against him include attempted coercion or enticement of a minor. The situation prompted swift action from his colleagues, with members of the Republican caucus indicating their intention to expel him from the Senate if he did not voluntarily step down.
In his resignation letter addressed to Governor Tim Walz, Eichorn acknowledged the gravity of the charges and the impact on his family and the Senate. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson emphasized that Eichorn’s resignation was necessary to maintain the integrity of the legislative body. Johnson stated, “This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate,” highlighting the bipartisan consensus on the matter.
Democratic senators were also prepared to support the expulsion, which would have required a two-thirds majority vote. The resignation has brought attention to the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address issues related to commercial sex and the exploitation of minors. The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress.
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