According to USA Today, a Democratic state senator from Minnesota, Nicole Mitchell, was apprehended on Monday under suspicion of burglarizing a residence. Mitchell was discovered inside a Detroit Lake home, approximately four hours from Woodbury, the area she represents. The 49-year-old was detained following a burglary complaint made by the homeowner around 4:45 pm. Upon their arrival, the police discovered a woman inside the residence. Mitchell is currently being held on suspicion of first-degree burglary at the Becker County Jail.
Mitchell has a history of employment as a meteorologist for the United States military and Minnesota Public Radio. In 2022, she was elected to the senate representing the St. Paul district. She maintains her position as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, commanding a weather unit.
Law enforcement has declined to provide specific details regarding the alleged burglary. County property tax records indicate that Mitchell’s stepmother and late father once resided on the block where the incident occurred.
The Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement acknowledging their awareness of the situation and stating that they would refrain from commenting until more information became available. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks expressed shock and indicated that he had limited knowledge of the specifics. Johnson emphasized in a statement that, “The public anticipates legislators to adhere to high ethical standards.” He continued, “As more information emerges, we anticipate repercussions to be commensurate with the actions, both within the legal system and in her capacity within the legislature.”
