Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution.

A detective from the Bloomington Police Department posed as a 16-year-old girl and communicated to 40-year-old Eichorn.

The arrest happened on the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Police say Eichorn arrived in the area by pick up truck and was detained without incident.

Authorities say Eichorn was booked into the Bloomington jail and will be transported to the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center.

“As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone’s child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up,” Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said.

“I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses. The recent case involving Michael Gillis who was arrested in Bloomington is a prime example of why we need stronger penalties. We need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.” 

Minnesota Senate Republicans released the following statement in response to the arrest:

“We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family.”

The DFL also called for his resignation saying, “No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol,” said Minnesota DFL executive director Heidi Kraus Kaplan. “The facts presented by the Bloomington Police Department make it clear that Senator Eichorn is an immediate danger to the public and must resign immediately.”