Minnesota state Sen. charged with first-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into a house

DETROIT LAKES, MI - On Tuesday, April 23rd, Democrat Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL - Woodbury) was charged with first-degree burglary after the homeowner to a residence off Granger Road and Long Avenue called 911 to report a burglary in process. 

According to CBS News, officers were dispatched to the residence around 4:45 a.m. on Monday, April 22nd. Responding officers found Mitchell inside and she was arrested and booked into Becker County Jail. The criminal complaint alleges that home the Senator is accused of burgling was her own stepmother's. 

The stepmother called 911 to report someone had broken into her home and when officers arrived, instead of communicating with the police, Mitchell ran into the basement. The complaint states that when officers found Mitchell, she was wearing black clothing and a black hat. Officers also reportedly found a flashlight with a sock on it and a black backpack nearby. 

A search of the backpack revealed two laptops, a cellphone, Tupperware, and identifying documents for Mitchell. When speaking with police, Mitchell told them that her father had recently passed away and that her stepmother wouldn't talk to Mitchell or any other family members. During her arrest, Mitchell told her stepmother, "I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore." 

The complaint states that the items Mitchell sought were "pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes, and other items of sentimental value." She gave the same motive to police, adding that she had "just gotten into the house."

She told investigators, "Clearly, I'm not good at this. I know I did something bad." According to investigators, she got into the house through a basement window.

When questions about one of the laptops found in her bag, she said her stepmother had given it to her. The stepmother denied doing so. On Monday, April 22nd, Mitchell had her first court appearance. She was released from custody with conditions including, among others, remaining law-abiding and making all future court appearances. Her next court hearing is set for June 10th.

The day after her court appearance, she posted to her state senator's Facebook page, denying the allegations against her. In the post, she denied stealing anything and said that she was in the home out of concern for an ailing family member. She said that the incident has been a "true tragedy" for her family and hopes that it can "return to being a private matter."

She wrote, "Like so many families, mine is dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimer's and associated paranoia. 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. 

"Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny. Thank you to all my friends (and colleagues of both parties) for the kind words of support and for trusting my character even before I had a chance to respond. This is been a true tragedy for our family and my hope is it can return to being a private matter."

Some lawmakers are speaking out regarding the incident. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said that the "allegations against Senator Mitchell are upsetting."

She added, "The behavior alleged is far outside the character she has established in the Senate and in her distinguished career in the military. 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."

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson said in a statement, "I understand the difficult situation her family is facing. However, the actions taken by Sen. Mitchell are disturbing. The complaint released by the Becker County Attorney lays out the case of a person who took extensive preparation to burglarize a family member's home. This behavior is unbecoming of a member of the Legislature and she needs to resign from the Senate immediately.