Minnesota state Senator Nicole Mitchell has been found guilty of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools following a jury trial. The jury deliberated for three hours after hearing four days of testimony regarding an incident on April 22, 2024, where Mitchell broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald expressed satisfaction with the verdict, noting it brings “some justice” for Carol Mitchell, Nicole’s stepmother. Defense attorney Bruce Ringstrom Jr. mentioned that his team would present arguments for leniency during sentencing.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy indicated that Nicole Mitchell had previously communicated her intention to resign if found guilty, and she expects Mitchell to honor that commitment. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson criticized Mitchell’s actions, saying they fell short of the ethical standards required of elected officials, and he believes her continued presence in the Senate tarnishes the institution.
Throughout the trial, McDonald highlighted body camera footage that captured Nicole Mitchell’s statements after her arrest, asserting they demonstrated her intent to commit theft. Conversely, Ringstrom defended Mitchell by arguing that her actions, which she claimed were motivated by concern for her stepmother’s welfare, constituted poor judgment rather than criminal intent.
Nicole Mitchell maintained her not guilty plea, testifying for more than five hours about her complex relationship with Carol Mitchell, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Carol herself testified, expressing feelings of violation after the incident and describing their relationship as strained.
Despite facing several attempts for expulsion from her Republican peers over her legal troubles, Mitchell had been stripped of her committee assignments and barred from caucus meetings shortly after her arrest.
This situation underscores the complex intersection of personal issues and public responsibilities, emphasizing that public figures are held to high ethical standards while also navigating personal challenges. Mitchell’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of actions taken under emotional distress, and it highlights the need for support systems for individuals in high-pressure roles.