Minnesota’s state Senate has always been a house divided—but last week it hit peak “Family Feud” when Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 51, was convicted of first‑degree burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother Carol Mitchell’s Detroit Lakes home.
Yes, the same Nicole who weathered storms as a broadcast news meteorologist and flew with the Air National Guard ended up prowling someone else’s living room dressed in all‑black from head to toe.
When she was arrested, she had a flashlight covered with a sock to muffle the light and burglary tools.
Her previous military training might have helped her preparation.
After a brisk three hours of deliberation, a Becker County jury found Sen. Mitchell guilty of burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Turns out, “searching for Dad’s ashes” doesn’t trump trespassing laws—even if you’re a lawmaker.
The bodycam video was the real star of the show.
There’s Nicole on video, cuffed and contrite, murmuring, “Clearly, I’m not good at this,” and, “I know I did something bad.”
“White Lies” vs. Felony Charges
On the stand, Mitchell tried to swap her on‑camera confession for a heart‑tugging narrative: she didn’t truly intend to steal dad’s flannel shirt and sentimental snapshots—she just wanted to check on her stepmom’s “worsening memory problems and paranoia.”
And surely Carol would prefer a stealth visit to a public competency battle, right?
Defense attorney Bruce Ringstrom Jr. argued, “We all know the difference between a white lie and a meaningful, damaging one…Nicole’s white lies make perfect sense.”
But Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald told jurors to apply “reason and common sense” to Mitchell’s testimony and bodycam admissions.
“I submit to you she was telling the truth on April 22nd, 2024. And if you believe that she was telling the truth to the officers, then you know she had the intent to steal. She told you. She told the officers.”
Political Fallout: “Resign or Be Expelled!”
With the Senate split by a single seat, calls for Mitchell’s immediate resignation rang out like church bells on Easter Sunday.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy reminded Mitchell of her pledge:
“She has told colleagues that she planned to resign if convicted, and I expect her to follow through on that pledge.” Across the aisle, GOP Leader Mark Johnson echoed the mantra: “Resign now—or prepare to face expulsion.”
Even Gov. Tim Walz weighed in, stating he expects her to step down.
Mitchell’s attorney Dane DeKrey text‑messaged that they’re “exploring options” for an appeal—and whether to abide by those urges.
Until February’s next session, the Senate can’t expel her, leaving the chamber in limbo and Democrats praying she doesn’t suddenly develop an aversion to voting for their bills.
Father Knows Best…Except When He Can’t Speak for Himself
Mitchell’s late father, who passed in 2023 at age 72, had been married to Carol for nearly four decades.
So while the state ponders its next move—special election or Senate impasse—one thing’s certain: Minnesota’s most divided chamber just got a plot twist worthy of a Netflix drama.
Will Mitchell resign and trigger a special election in a district that’s 61% Democratic?
Will she stay and keep that crucial vote—albeit behind a felony conviction?
Stay tuned—this burglary caper is far from over.
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