On Monday, state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat from Minnesota, was arrested for first-degree burglary. This shocking news has left many people in her district and across the state wondering how someone in a position of power could commit such a serious crime.
According to the official complaint, Mitchell broke into her late father’s home in Detroit Lakes, over 200 miles and three and a half hours away from her own district. Mitchell, who represents Woodbury, was arrested and charged with a felony for 1st-degree burglary. This is a serious offense that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
The complaint states that Mitchell was caught in the act by the victim, who she claimed to be trying to retrieve a few items of her late father’s. However, Mitchell already had a tumultuous relationship with the victim, who had cut off all contact with her and other family members. This raises questions about Mitchell’s motives and whether this was a premeditated act.
What makes this case even more concerning is that after being arrested, Mitchell made incriminating statements to the officers, admitting that she “did something bad.” It appears that she did not expect to get caught and was remorseful only after she was detained.
MORE: She’s been charged with 1st degree burglary, a felony. Mitchell is scheduled to make her first appearance in court at 11am today.
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) April 23, 2024
In an attempt to downplay her actions, Mitchell took to Facebook to explain the situation. She claimed that she went to the house because she became aware of her close relative’s Alzheimer’s and was checking on them. However, the police report tells a different story, casting doubt on Mitchell’s version of events.
“Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny,” her post mentioned in part. “Over the weekend, I learned of medical information which caused me grave concern and prompted me to check on that family member. I entered a home I have come and gone from countless times in the past 20 years, where my son even once had his own room. This has been a true tragedy for our family and my hope is it can return to being a private matter,” she posted.
Even more disturbing is the fact that Mitchell serves as a state senator, representing the people of Minnesota. With Democrats only holding a one-seat majority in the state Senate, this arrest raises concerns about the judgment and character of the people we have elected to represent us.
Despite calls for her resignation, Mitchell’s attorney says she has no plans to step down from her position. And even more concerning is the expectation that she will return to the State Capitol as early as Wednesday. How can someone who has demonstrated such disregard for the law and their own family be trusted to make decisions on behalf of the people of Minnesota?
New: I just spoke with Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Sr., who said he’s advised her not to resign from the Senate and added that he doubts Majority Leader Erin Murphy will ask her to. He said he expects Mitchell to return to the State Capitol on Wednesday. https://t.co/fdzLVDNVLB
— Ryan Faircloth (@RyanFaircloth) April 23, 2024
