Fri Jul 18 21:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell Found Guilty of Burglary**
**Detroit Lakes, MN -** Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat, was found guilty today on felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools charges. A jury reached the verdict after three hours of deliberation, following a four-day trial. The charges stem from an April 22, 2024 incident where Mitchell broke into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home.
The case centered around the incident where Mitchell entered the home of her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, who has Alzheimer’s. While Mitchell claimed she was conducting a welfare check, prosecutors argued she intended to commit theft. Body camera footage played a key role, showing Mitchell telling police “I know I did something bad.”
Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald emphasized Mitchell’s own words to police as proof of her intent, while defense attorney Bruce Ringstrom Jr. argued that her actions, while possibly demonstrating poor judgment, did not constitute burglary.
Carol Mitchell testified that she and her stepdaughter were not close and that she felt violated by the incident.
Following the verdict, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy stated that Mitchell indicated she would resign if found guilty, and Murphy expects her to follow through. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson condemned Mitchell’s actions, stating her continued presence in the Senate would stain the body.
Mitchell had previously survived expulsion attempts from Republican senators, but was removed from committee assignments and caucus meetings by the DFL Caucus after her arrest.
First Piper 