Advocate for sexually exploited children speaks following former senator’s charging

Former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, resigned Thursday after he was charged with trying to solicit a minor.

Already this legislative session, advocates for sexually exploited children are appealing to lawmakers for more support for crisis intervention services.

Beth Holger, executive director of The Link — which supports impoverished youth and families who are experiencing homelessness, being sexually exploited, or in the criminal justice system — joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition with her reaction to Eichorn’s alleged crimes.

The Link also supports law enforcement like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and FBI during stings, similar to that in which Eichorn was caught and arrested for allegedly trying to solicit a 17-year-old.

The following has been lightly edited for clarity. Listen to the full conversation by clicking the above player button.

What does your work with law enforcement and victims entail?

The Link oftentimes will partner with various law enforcement systems as well as others, just to do basic training on what sexual exploitation and trafficking look like within our communities, where it’s currently happening, and how to approach victims and traffickers.

Right now, a lot of the actual trafficking is occurring through online ads similar to what happened in the Eichorn situation. And then the actual occurrence is oftentimes happening either in private homes, within private parties, or in hotel rooms.”

Eichorn is married with 4 children. What was your initial impression of his arrest?

It was definitely disappointing, but not surprising to me. I think there is a huge stereotype that sexual exploitation and trafficking happen only in other countries, but actually, research and practice have shown in reality it does happen here.

And the majority of people who are buying sex and who are trafficking others are actually local Minnesota residents, and some are in elected positions or positions of authority.

Does helping these exploited minors feel like an uphill battle?

Yes, the problem definitely can seem overwhelming. At The Link, we are so blessed to have good street outreach, crisis intervention services, emergency shelter and housing, all specifically for sexually exploited youth and trafficking victims, but we definitely do not have enough.

And we are currently, ironically, advocating at the state Legislature, with the Senate and House for increased resources for sex trafficking victims.

Do people who pay for sex understand the harm they’re causing?

I think some of them don’t understand the harm and victimization of the crime that they are doing. And I think there are some that do and they just do not care.

What message do you want to share about those who are victimized?

They are our Minnesota children, youth and adults, and they are human beings, and they do not deserve to be sexually exploited or abused. Sexual exploitation and trafficking is not a victimless crime. It really, really harms people, and so we want to support them.

I’m also very thankful to the Bloomington Police Department and our law enforcement partners who are going out and doing these things and hopefully can bring these people to justice and prevent them from hurting anybody else.

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