Wife files for divorce from state senator after bust in shocking underage sex sting

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KBJR/Gray News) - The wife of Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn has filed for divorce after his arrest in an underage sex sting.

After being charged with soliciting a minor for sex, his wife Brittany Eichorn, filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in Itasca County Court Monday.

Around March 11-13, officers from the Bloomington Police Department and other law enforcement agencies participated in an undercover prostitution operation targeting the solicitation of minors for sexual conduct.

Authorities say they placed ads on multiple websites offering prostitution services, and that one of the individuals who responded to the ad was Eichorn.

He then engaged in a text conversation with an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl.

Eichorn allegedly first contacted the undercover officer at approximately 9:04 p.m. on March 11 by texting the number in the ad asking if she was available that night.

He texted two more times before receiving a response from the undercover officer the next day, saying she was available.

Eichorn then allegedly asked the undercover officer for her rates and location.

Court documents say when Eichorn asked how old she was, the undercover officer said she was younger than her ad and was 17 years old.

On March 13, Eichorn again contacted the undercover officer asking what her rates were, and if she was available for a “half hour.”

The conversation continued until the undercover officer did not reply. Authorities say Eichorn reached out again on March 17 asking if she was available and her rates.

Her age was discussed, stating she was 17 years old.

He allegedly discussed the “age of consent” and asked for pictures of her to make him feel more comfortable.

Eichorn was then given an address being used by law enforcement to meet the girl in Bloomington.

When he arrived, he was placed under arrest.

Officers searched Eichorn and seized two cell phones, a condom, and $129 in cash.

The 40-year-old resigned days after police arrested him.

At his first court appearance last week, a judge ordered him to be transferred to a halfway house when a spot became available. He was set to be released from custody Tuesday.

According to a motion filed in federal court Sunday, prosecutors claim that during his initial court appearance on March 20, Eichorn lied to authorities about possessing a gun at his St. Paul apartment.

They also claim he attempted to have someone retrieve a computer from that apartment before it could be searched.

During a search of Eichorn’s apartment on March 21, according to court documents, prosecutors say FBI agents found a handgun and ammunition in a red bag.

The motion also alleges that Eichorn made a call to someone from jail asking them to remove a computer from his apartment to avoid its possible seizure.

After hearing this new information, the judge blocked his release, alleging that he tried to obstruct the FBI’s investigation.

There was no immediate word on when Eichorn will appear in court next.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to issue a writ of special election for Eichorn’s seat. The results of that special election will not impact the balance of power in the state senate.