His next preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 26.
Eichorn would face a minimum of a 10-year sentence if he’s convicted of his federal charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
Upon his resignation from the Senate, Eichorn was also removed from his role as chairman of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. The board consists of state senators and representatives.
Eichorn had just recently been elected chairman of the IRRRB, which works on community revitalization and economic development in northeastern Minnesota. It’s a coveted role that community members think highly of. The board will hold a special meeting to reorganize and elect a new chair.
Eichorn’s fellow senators were prepared to expel him from the chamber before he resigned Thursday. Senate Republicans had planned to bring forward the motion to expel Eichorn, and DFLers said they would join them in voting for his expulsion.
“There is a line in the sand,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. “If you’re accused with a felony, I think that’s serious enough — our law has distinguished that as a very serious crime. This clearly is a very serious crime, and so we are going to do the right thing as a caucus and we move forward in a very decisive way."