Former state lawmaker Justin Eichorn released after arrest for alleged enticement of a minor - WFIN Local News

Former Minnesota state Senator Justin Eichorn has been granted pre-trial release after facing charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor linked to a prostitution sting operation. Eichorn, 40, is accused of trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl on March 17.

Upon his release from jail, the Republican politician must adhere to certain conditions, including residing in a halfway house when space becomes available and being monitored by GPS tracking. Eichorn allegedly communicated with someone he believed to be underage for about a week before the planned meet-up, only to discover upon arrival that it was an undercover agent instead.

Initially arrested at the meet-up, Eichorn was granted bail during his first court appearance; however, prosecutors later requested a new hearing after claiming he instructed his wife to move a laptop from their home prior to law enforcement’s arrival. FBI agents had arrived at the apartment first and informed her that she could not take the laptop, which was purportedly related to their real estate business.

Additionally, investigators found a factory-reset cellphone and a firearm in his apartment. Eichorn reportedly denied ownership of the gun while speaking with a probation officer, although his attorneys argued that it was kept for protection due to threats he had received regarding his legislation, which controversially labeled "Trump derangement syndrome" (TDS) as a mental illness in Minnesota.

This week, it was revealed that Eichorn's wife filed for divorce. Attempts to reach Eichorn for comments have been unsuccessful.