Federal charges were filed Wednesday against Republican state Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids), who was arrested in Bloomington earlier this week on suspicion of soliciting an underage girl for sex.

Eichorn was arrested Monday evening after he allegedly arranged to meet with an undercover Bloomington Police Department officer who was posing as a 17-year-old girl.

Hennepin County prosecutors charged Eichorn, 40, with one count of soliciting prostitution from a minor over the age of 16. In federal court, he is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said that they will dismiss the state charges because federal charges were filed.

Eichorn also faces expulsion from the Senate. On Wednesday night, Senate Republicans announced they would make a motion to expel Eichorn on Thursday morning.

“There is no question that these charges merit expulsion,” Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) said. “We owe it to the public to hold our members to the highest standards, and this violation of the public trust is so severe we must act. It is my hope that this quick resolution gives Senator Eichorn time to focus on his family.”

Charging documents allege Eichorn first texted an undercover Bloomington police officer while responding to an online ad for sex work.

He asked around 9 p.m. on March 11 if she was available “tonight,” and when he didn’t get an answer, he texted again that night asking, “What’s a guy got a do to get with the hottest girl online tonight.” He followed up the next morning to ask if she was available and received an affirmative reply.

Eichorn allegedly went on to ask about the undercover officer’s rates and said he was looking for “Qv or hhr,” shorthand for “quick visit” or “half hour.” When he asked the officer’s age, she disclosed she was 17.

Eichorn again texted the officer on March 13 and asked if she was available for a “half hour.” The conversation came to an end when the undercover officer stopped responding, the complaint states.

On Monday, Eichorn reached out a third time asking if the officer was available that night. They discussed rates, and when she again said she was 17, he asserted that she was above the age of consent in Minnesota.

“It’s says age of consent is 16 …… over 18 is in a position of authority over you like a teacher or friends parent,” Eichorn texted.

Hiring someone for sex is illegal regardless of age in Minnesota, and soliciting a minor is a felony offense.

Charging documents state Eichorn asked for “naughty” pictures, including one “with a lot less clothes.” He also asked about how much more it would cost to have sex without a condom.

When Eichorn met at the location given by the undercover officer, police placed him under arrest.

A search of Eichorn and his vehicle turned up two cell phones, a condom and $129 in cash. Authorities say they will conduct a search warrant to look at the contents of the phones.

Eichorn’s Republican colleagues in the Legislature on Tuesday said his “alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation.”

Legislative records reveal that in 2021, Eichorn co-sponsored a bill that would increase the criminal penalties for creating, distributing, and possessing sexually explicit materials involving children.