Federal charges have been filed against a Republican Minnesota state Senator arrested this week for allegedly trying to solicit sex with a minor.

On Wednesday, Grand Rapids Senator Justin Eichorn was charged federally with attempted coercion of a child.

Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office does not tolerate public officials who violate federal laws, especially those meant to protect children.

Eichorn was initially charged with prostitution in Hennepin County. He was charged with “intentionally hiring or offering or agreeing to hire a person who [he] believed to be younger than 18 years but at least 16 years old to engage in sexual penetration and sexual contact”.

The county attorney’s office claims that this is “common.”

According to federal charges, Eichorn was arrested as a result of a covert operation that began earlier this month to target commercial sexual activity involving minors.

“Law enforcement posted online ads offering commercial sex.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota stated in a press release that the undercover officers were the ones who responded to the messages, not the prospective sex purchasers.

According to the federal complaint filed on March 11, undercover agents began receiving messages from Eichorn. He said: “I saw you post and [sic] changed that you are still free tonight?” And “What can a guy do to meet the hottest girl online tonight?”

According to the federal complaint, during the conversations the “girl” repeatedly gave her age at 17 years old. Eichorn responded, “I believe age of consent is 17. When do you turn 18?” This complaint says that the age of consent for a person is 16. Anyone older than 18 can be in a position to control you, such as a friend or teacher.

Eichorn asked for photos multiple times. “A naughty pic of you so I can see your true self,” the charges say.

Eichorn, who was arrested in Bloomington on Monday, allegedly met the girl at Bloomington. The police searched his car and found two cellphones, which will be also searched, a condom, and cash.

Both the Republican and Democratic chambers of the State Legislature called for his resignation after his arrest.