Prosecutors seek five-year term for ex-Sen. Justin Eichorn, above sentencing guidelines

Federal prosecutors are asking a Minnesota judge to sentence former state Sen. Justin Eichorn to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child sexual abuse material. Eichorn resigned after his March 2025 arrest, when he arrived in Bloomington to meet someone he believed was a 17-year-old girl for paid sex but who was actually an undercover officer. Prosecutors say he repeatedly sought photos and arranged the meeting, arguing that he poses a danger to children and warrants a sentence above the advisory guideline range of 15 to 21 months. The plea agreement reduced the charge from attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, which carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Prosecutors are also seeking lifetime supervised release with sex-offender treatment, restrictions on unsupervised contact with minors, and monitoring of Eichorn’s internet and electronic-device use; his sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.