Minnesota Democratic State Senator Nicole Mitchell, 49, has been arrested on burglary charges stemming from an incident at her stepmother’s home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes.
Mitchell allegedly broke into the residence to retrieve sentimental items belonging to her late father, including his ashes. Mitchell’s father passed away in March 2023. The senator admitted to the burglary attempt but denied stealing anything, according to the Associated Press.
The incident occurred early Monday morning, and Mitchell was taken into custody. According to the charges filed on Tuesday, Mitchell confessed to breaking into her stepmother’s home. The arresting officer reported hearing Mitchell tell her stepmother that she was simply trying to retrieve some of her father’s belongings because her stepmother had stopped speaking to her.
Mitchell has been charged with first-degree burglary, a felony, and has been released on the condition that she not contact her stepmother. Despite calls for her resignation from Senate Republicans, Mitchell is expected to continue serving as a senator. However, her arrest comes at a critical time for Senate Democrats, who hold a slim majority.
Mitchell’s attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Sr, has highlighted the strained relationship between Mitchell and her stepmother, which has been exacerbated by age-related issues. He emphasized Mitchell’s presumption of innocence and urged restraint from judgment.
In response to the charges, Mitchell denied stealing but did not provide an explanation for her unauthorized entry into the home. She cited family struggles with Alzheimer’s disease and expressed hope for privacy in dealing with the matter. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.
The complaint detailed Mitchell’s method of entry through a basement window, and officers discovered her Senate ID in a backpack at the scene. Mitchell reportedly admitted her actions, expressing regret and acknowledging her incompetence in the burglary attempt.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy affirmed Mitchell’s right to due process and indicated her return to legislative duties. However, Minority Leader Mark Johnson has called for Mitchell’s resignation, citing the serious nature of the allegations.
Mitchell, a former broadcast meteorologist with a law degree, was elected as a senator in 2022.
