Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell is facing removal from her committee assignments and caucus meetings while burglary allegations against her are being investigated by both the Senate and legal authorities. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy announced the decision, stating that the legal investigation is ongoing and that Mitchell will be relieved of her duties while the case is reviewed. Mitchell, a Democrat representing part of the eastern Twin Cities, was charged with burglary after being found dressed in all black in the basement of her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. She allegedly confessed to breaking into the home to retrieve sentimental items after her stepmother stopped speaking to her, but Mitchell denied the allegations, claiming she was at the house to check on a family member with Alzheimer’s.
In response to the allegations, Mitchell released a statement expressing disappointment that the complaint lacked complete information about the incident, including the fact that she has known the other person involved since childhood and deeply cares about her. Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steven Todd confirmed that the alleged burglary and Mitchell’s arrest were captured on body cameras, but he is prohibited by state law from releasing the footage. Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Mitchell following the charges, with some calling for her resignation, including Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. Mitchell, who has a background as a TV meteorologist and Air National Guard commander, was elected in 2022 and is currently serving her first term.
The removal of Nicole Mitchell from her committee assignments and caucus meetings comes as a result of ongoing investigations into burglary allegations against her. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy emphasized that there are still unanswered questions surrounding the case and that Mitchell will be relieved of her duties while the legal investigation unfolds. Mitchell’s charges stem from an incident in which she was found in the basement of her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes, dressed in all black and allegedly confessing to breaking in to retrieve sentimental items after her stepmother cut ties with her. Mitchell denies the allegations and claims she was at the house to check on a family member with Alzheimer’s.
Despite the allegations, Mitchell maintains her innocence, stating that important context is missing from the complaint and that she has a long-standing relationship with the other person involved in the incident. Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steven Todd confirmed that the alleged burglary and subsequent arrest were captured on body cameras, but the footage cannot be released due to state privacy laws. Following the charges, Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Mitchell, and calls for her resignation have been made, including from Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. Mitchell’s background includes previous roles as a TV meteorologist and Air National Guard commander, and she was elected to office in 2022, currently serving her first term.
The decision to remove Nicole Mitchell from her committee assignments and caucus meetings reflects the seriousness of the burglary allegations against her. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy emphasized the ongoing nature of the legal investigation and the need for transparency in the review process. Mitchell’s charges stem from an incident in which she was found in her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes, dressed in all black and allegedly confessing to breaking in to retrieve sentimental items after her stepmother cut ties with her. Mitchell refutes the allegations, claiming she was at the house to check on a family member with Alzheimer’s and expressing disappointment in the lack of complete information in the complaint.
Despite maintaining her innocence, Mitchell faces increasing scrutiny from Senate Republicans, who have filed an ethics complaint against her and called for her resignation. The allegations have cast a shadow over Mitchell’s tenure as a state senator and raised concerns about her ability to effectively serve her constituents. Mitchell, who has a diverse background in meteorology and military service, was elected in 2022 and is currently in her first term. The outcome of the investigations and the response from Mitchell will likely have lasting implications for her political career and public reputation.
