Former Republican State Senator Justin Eichorn (right) discusses senate business during a floor session prior to his resignation after charges were filed in an underage prostitution ring in Bloomington. Photo credit (David Oakes, Senate Media Services)
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (KFGO) — A judge has ruled that the sex-sting case against former Republican state Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids will not be dismissed.
Eichorn is accused of soliciting a minor for sex during an undercover operation in which an officer posed as a 17-year-old.
Eichorn asked the court to drop the charges, arguing he believed the person he was messaging was in her 20s.
Prosecutors countered that text messages show he continued communicating and was on his way to meet the individual despite the disclosed age.
The court ultimately agreed with prosecutors, saying the federal government has broad authority to pursue criminal charges in cases involving the alleged solicitation of a minor.
Former State Senator Justin Eichorn (Bloomington Police Department)
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