Former Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn (R- Grand Rapids) will remain in custody, at least for now.
A federal judge has blocked his release to a halfway house after he allegedly obstructed the investigation into accusations that he solicited a teenaged girl for sex.
Prosecutors say Eichorn tried to hide evidence in his apartment and lied about having a firearm. Eichorn was arrested last week and resigned from the state senate last Thursday.
He remains in the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River, Minnesota, due to space limitations in Hennepin County. Eichorn was expected to be moved to a halfway house. A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Governor Tim Walz has called for an April 29 special election to fill the Senate District 6 vacancy after Eichorn resigned his Senate seat last week. A primary election would take place April 15th if necessary. The window to file nominating and candidacy petitions to the Secretary of State or county auditors is open starting this Wednesday and is open through next Tuesday.
Among those who've announced plans to run are former state Republican party chair and current Nisswa Mayor Jennifer Carnahan, business owner and political activist Keri Heintzman, son of former Republican Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, Josh Gazelka, along with Brainerd-area DFL'er Emily LeClaire.