Minnesota State Senator’s Wife Files for Divorce Following Arrest in Sex Sting
The wife of Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn has filed for divorce following his arrest in an undercover prostitution sting. Brittany Eichorn filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in Itasca County Court on Monday after her husband was charged with soliciting a minor for sex.
Between March 11-13, officers from the Bloomington Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, conducted an undercover operation targeting the solicitation of minors for sexual conduct. As part of the sting, authorities placed advertisements on multiple websites offering prostitution services. Eichorn was among those who responded.
According to law enforcement, Eichorn initiated contact on March 11 at approximately 9:04 p.m., texting the number in the advertisement to ask about availability. He sent additional messages before receiving a response from an undercover officer the following day. Eichorn then allegedly asked about rates and location.
Court documents state that when he inquired about her age, the officer indicated she was younger than advertised and was 17 years old. Despite this, Eichorn continued the conversation on March 13, again asking about rates and availability for a “half-hour” appointment. After a pause in communication, he resumed contact on March 17, again inquiring about availability and pricing.
During the exchange, Eichorn allegedly discussed the “age of consent” and requested photos to “make him feel more comfortable.” Her age was discussed, stating she was 17 years old. Law enforcement then provided an address in Bloomington for him to meet the individual. When he arrived, he was immediately arrested. A search of his belongings revealed two cell phones, a condom, and $129 in cash.
Days after his arrest, the 40-year-old senator resigned from his position. During his initial court appearance, a judge ordered that he be transferred to a halfway house when a spot became available, with his release initially scheduled for Tuesday. However, new allegations surfaced that led to the delay of his release.
Federal prosecutors claim that during his court appearance on March 20, Eichorn falsely stated that he did not have a firearm at his St. Paul apartment. Additionally, they allege he attempted to have someone retrieve a computer from his residence before law enforcement could seize it.
A search of Eichorn’s apartment on March 21 uncovered a handgun and ammunition in a red bag. Prosecutors further alleged that while in jail, Eichorn made a call instructing someone to remove a computer from his apartment to prevent its confiscation.
Following these revelations, the judge blocked his release, citing concerns about obstruction of the FBI’s investigation. No immediate date has been set for his next court appearance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to issue a writ of special election to fill Eichorn’s vacant seat. However, the outcome of the special election is not expected to affect the balance of power in the state senate.
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