Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell Charged with First-Degree Burglary

Minnesota state senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury, has been charged with first-degree burglary in connection with a break-in at her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes on April 24, 2024. According to the criminal complaint, Mitchell allegedly entered the home through a basement window, claiming she was trying to retrieve some of her late father's belongings, including his ashes, that her stepmother would not give her.

Police found Mitchell inside the home and arrested her at the scene. A restraining order was issued against her, and she was released on the condition that she not contact her stepmother and not leave the state without court approval. Mitchell has denied stealing anything, stating that she was concerned for a family member dealing with Alzheimer's and paranoia. In a social media post, she said she went to check on her stepmother's well-being and startled her.

Why this matters: The incident has led to uncertainty in the state legislature, where Democrats hold a razor-thin one-seat majority. Mitchell's vote is critical for Democrats to advance their agenda in the final weeks before lawmakers must adjourn on May 20.

The Senate Republican caucus has filed an ethics complaint against Mitchell over the incident, accusing her of violating chamber rules and publishing false or misleading statements about it on social media. Republicans unsuccessfully pushed to speed up an ethics investigation and expulsion of Mitchell, citing the felony charge and discrepancies between her statements.

Democratic leaders have put several bills on hold due to the turmoil and have allowed Mitchell to vote remotely as the legal process plays out. Mitchell did not show up to the Capitol on Wednesday. Her attorney has advised her not to resign, stating that "the criminal complaint fails to include exculpatory facts, such as Mitchell having a key to the residence and only possessing her own belongings."

The Senate Ethics Committee investigation could take up to 30 days to begin, potentially after the legislative session ends. The measure to expedite the investigation failed on a party-line vote, and the DFL appears poised to maintain control of the chamber for the rest of the session. Mitchell is set to return to court on June 10.

Key Takeaways

• MN state senator Nicole Mitchell charged with 1st-degree burglary of stepmother's home
• Mitchell claims she was checking on stepmother with Alzheimer's, denies stealing anything
• Incident creates uncertainty in MN legislature where Dems hold razor-thin majority
• GOP files ethics complaint, unsuccessfully pushed for expedited probe and expulsion
• Mitchell allowed to vote remotely as legal process plays out, set to return to court June 10