Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell Faces First Degree Burglary Charge

Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury faces charges of felony first-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home to retrieve belongings belonging to her late father, including his ashes.

According to a complaint obtained by the Star Tribune, a police officer went to Mitchell's stepmother's home around 4:45 AM on April 22 after a report of a break-in.

Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell's stepmother was inside the house during the incident, People reports.

Arrest and Charges

Responding to a call reporting a break-in at Mitchell's stepmother's residence, police found the lawmaker in the basement wearing all-black attire.

A criminal complaint revealed that Mitchell allegedly entered the home through a window, carrying a backpack containing two laptops, a cellphone, Tupperware, and other items.

She claimed to be retrieving sentimental items belonging to her deceased father, including his ashes and photographs.

During her arrest, Mitchell purportedly expressed her motive to her stepmother, stating, "I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore."

Subsequent investigations revealed discrepancies regarding the ownership of the seized items, with one laptop allegedly belonging to her stepmother, according to Fox News.

Legal Ramifications and Political Response

If convicted of first-degree burglary, Mitchell could face a sentence ranging from six months in jail to 20 years in prison.

The Minnesota senator's father, Roderick Mitchell, passed away in March 2023, leaving behind assets valued at approximately $173,000, all awarded to his wife, Carol, in a probate case.

While Mitchell's Senate office deferred inquiries to the Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus, reactions among political circles varied.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy emphasized the importance of due process, affirming Mitchell's right to a fair trial, Inforum noted.

"The allegations against Senator Mitchell are upsetting, for me and for anyone who has gotten to know and work with her," Senate Majority Leader Murphy stated in a press release. "We believe in due process, and Senator Mitchell has the right to a full defense of her case in court. In the coming days and weeks, Senator Mitchell must also have serious and difficult conversations with her colleagues, constituents, and family."

Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson called for Mitchell's immediate resignation, citing the severity of the allegations and their implications for legislative integrity.

"The public expects Legislators to meet a high standard of conduct," Senate Minority Leader Johnson stated. "As information comes out, we expect the consequences to meet the actions, both in the court of law and in her role at the legislature."

The allegations against Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell cast a shadow over her political career, prompting scrutiny and calls for accountability from both colleagues and constituents.

As legal proceedings unfold, Mitchell's future hangs in the balance, with potential repercussions extending beyond the courtroom to the political arena.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell charged in burglary of Detroit Lakes home - From WCCO - CBS Minnesota