Senator Charged with Burglary in Detroit Lakes Incident
A Minnesota state senator is facing charges related to a burglary at a Detroit Lakes residence earlier this week. Senator Nicole Mitchell, representing DFL-Woodbury, has been charged with first-degree burglary by the Becker County Attorney's Office.
Authorities reported that Mitchell was discovered inside the property, arrested on the spot, and subsequently taken to Becker County Jail for processing.
Allegations Detail Mitchell's Motive for Burglary
According to the allegations outlined in the criminal complaint, the targeted residence belonged to Mitchell's stepmother.
Law enforcement officers described Mitchell as being dressed in black attire with a black hat at the time of her apprehension in the basement. Additionally, they recovered a flashlight with a sock attached to it and a black backpack nearby. The backpack contained two laptops, a cellphone, Tupperware, and various documents identifying Mitchell.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Mitchell explained to authorities that her father had recently passed away and her stepmother was not communicating with Mitchell or other family members.
"I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore," Mitchell said to her stepmother during her arrest, according to the complaint.
The items Mitchell was seeking included "pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes, and other items of sentimental value," as stated in the complaint.
She reportedly provided the same reason to the police, mentioning that she had "just gotten into the house."
"Clearly I'm not good at this," she admitted to investigators, further stating, "I know I did something bad."
Investigators disclosed that Mitchell entered the house through a basement window.
During questioning, Mitchell claimed that one of the laptops found in her possession was given to her by her stepmother, a claim that the stepmother refuted.
Mitchell is scheduled to appear in court at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and is currently in custody.
Public figures express their views, demanding accountability
Mitchell is presently serving her inaugural term as a state senator. A spokesperson for the Senate DFL Caucus mentioned in a statement on Monday that they are "aware of the situation" but declined to provide further comments.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, expressed his "shock" upon learning about the news concerning his fellow senator.
"The public demands a high level of integrity from their elected officials. As new information emerges, we anticipate that the consequences will align with the actions taken, both within the legal system and in her capacity as a legislator," Johnson stated.
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Mitchell, who has a background as a TV meteorologist and a commander in the Air National Guard, secured her position in 2022 and is currently serving her first term.
