Federal prosecutors accuse GOP state senator in Minnesota with the request of a minor for prostitution

Sf. Paul, Minn. (AP) – a state senator in Minnesota trapped in a stinging operation He was accused of requesting a minor for prostitution on Wednesday, one day after his Republican colleagues asked him to resign.

Senator Gop Justin Eichorn, 40, from Grand Rapids, was arrested on Monday in Bloomington, in an undercover operation, aimed at commercial sex involving minors. Investigators have placed several online advertisements offering money for money, according to a press release from the American prosecutor.

The judicial documents indicate that Eichorn has begun to send messages in response to commercials March 11.

“I saw your post and (sic) the chance that you are still available this evening?” One asked, according to a FBI statement, while a later message asked: “What a Gotta type does to get the loudest online girl tonight.”

Eichorn has changed messages with an undercover officer who presents himself as a 17-year-old girl over several days, asking about prices for various sexual acts and requesting an image, the statement said. They arranged a meeting on Monday, where he came to find the police ready to arrest him. The officers confiscated two mobile phones, a condom and $ 129 in cash, he said.

The federal accusation is tried by the constraint and delight of a minor to engage in prostitution. Another six suspects were arrested in the sting, prosecutors said.

Eichorn stayed on Wednesday in the Hennepin County prison. Federal and state judicial registrations do not list a lawyer who can comment on his behalf, and the prison does not allow phone calls to prisoners.

The county prosecutor’s office said that a state accusation to request a minor for prostitution will be abandoned and that Eichorn’s case will continue in the federal court. It was not immediately clear when it could be transferred to federal custody. The Office of the County Prosecutor and the US prosecutor did not explain why the federal authorities took over.

According to Eichorn’s Senate profile, he is married to four children. He lists his profession of entrepreneur and was first chosen in 2016.

The Republicans in the Senate and room asked on Tuesday that Eichorn immediately resigns.

“The American Prosecutor’s Office has no tolerance for public officials who violate federal law – especially those laws meant to protect children,” American lawyer Lisa D. Kirkpatrick said in a statement.

“The actions claimed in this case are a terrible attempt to exploit an innocent and vulnerable minor,” said the FBI special agent M. Winston Sr. “FBI and our partners are committed to protecting children against predators trying to hurt them. Each child deserves to grow in a safe environment.”