Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, has resigned after being charged by federal authorities for allegedly seeking to pay for sex from someone he believed was a minor.
The third-term state senator sent his letter of resignation to Gov. Tim Walz Thursday as the Senate prepared to take up an expulsion vote, according to the Senate Republican Caucus.
“This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. “We are ready to move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol.”
Johnson said he confirmed with Walz by phone that the governor had received and accepted the letter.
Eichorn was arrested Monday after allegedly trying to meet with a 17-year-old girl who turned out to be a detective with the Bloomington Police Department. He was initially arrested on a state charge, but the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office has taken up the case.
Eichorn is scheduled to appear on a federal charge of coercion and enticement of a minor Thursday afternoon.
Senate Democrats and Republicans were poised to vote to expel Eichorn during a Thursday floor session.
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