A former Minnesota state senator, who recently resigned following his arrest for allegedly attempting to meet up with an underage sex worker, is now facing additional charges of obstruction. Authorities claim he tried to have a woman remove key evidence from his residence while he was in jail.
The senator, 40, had previously gained recognition for supporting a controversial bill before being arrested on March 17. Prosecutors assert that he misled the court on several matters, which contributed to his delayed release on bail.
According to court documents, the former senator misrepresented his access to firearms, attempted to have a computer removed from his apartment to hinder investigators, and had an iPhone that had been recently factory reset. These actions raised significant concerns for prosecutors, who argued that they indicated an effort to obstruct justice.
Investigators allege that the senator contacted an undercover officer posing as a minor and attempted to arrange a meeting. When informed of the supposed teen’s age, he allegedly continued the conversation, requesting explicit photos and discussing legal nuances regarding the age of consent. He was arrested upon arriving at the agreed-upon meeting place.
Following the arrest, members of his political party called for his immediate resignation and prosecution. One lawmaker stated publicly that the former senator should face the full extent of the law.
New allegations arose after authorities reviewed recorded jailhouse calls. On March 19 and March 20, the former senator allegedly instructed a woman to retrieve a red bag from his home containing cash, a handgun with ammunition, a laptop, a memory card, a phone, and his business cards. He reportedly made these requests despite a recorded message warning that all calls were being monitored.
During one conversation, he mentioned that law enforcement had broken his security ring and asked if she could retrieve an extra one from his home. The woman agreed to help and assured him that she would collect the requested items.
When authorities searched his home on March 21, they encountered the woman attempting to remove the laptop. After stopping her, they discovered the red bag containing the requested items. When later asked by an FBI agent to return for an interview, she declined after confirming she was not legally required to comply.
Upon his arrest, law enforcement seized two cellphones and an unopened condom from the former senator. Prosecutors emphasized that his messages and behavior suggested he was an experienced offender and that releasing him posed a risk to the community.
Due to these concerns, a judge denied his release and scheduled a hearing. The former senator will remain in custody until then.
In a resignation message sent from jail, he stated that he needed to focus on personal matters. Reports indicate that his wife filed for divorce shortly after news of his arrest broke.
A legislative leader stressed the severity of the allegations, noting that felony charges represent a serious legal threshold.
