Sentencing decision

A federal judge sentenced former Republican state Sen. Justin Eichorn to 16 months in prison and five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child sex abuse material.

Sentence range

The 16-month sentence falls within the 15 to 21 months both sides agreed the sentencing guidelines called for, as federal prosecutors had requested a five-year prison term.

Attorney statement

Brent Hannafan, Eichorn’s attorney, said: 'Justin Eichorn pleaded guilty in May and accepted full responsibility for what he did.'

“Justin Eichorn pleaded guilty in May and accepted full responsibility for what he did”

Case details

Prosecutors caught Eichorn in a 2025 child sex sting in Bloomington where he texted what he thought was a 17-year-old girl asking for nude photos and arranging to pay for sex.

Plea deal terms

Eichorn pleaded guilty in May to attempted possession of child sex abuse material, with a more serious charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor dropped as part of the plea deal.

Case outcome

Eichorn resigned from the state Senate in March 2025 after his arrest and will serve 16 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.