State senator Nicole Mitchell of Minnesota was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary after being found inside her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes dressed in black clothing and a black hat. Mitchell claimed the incident was a misunderstanding stemming from her stepmother’s dementia and associated paranoia. She stated that she entered the home to check on a loved one with Alzheimer’s after learning of medical information that caused her grave concern. Mitchell denied the burglary allegation, explaining that she only entered to retrieve sentimental items that belonged to her late father, which her stepmother refused to give her.
While Mitchell acknowledged entering through a basement window, she did not explain why she did so without permission in the middle of the night. She claimed that her actions exacerbated her relative’s paranoia, leading to accusations of theft, which she vehemently denies. Mitchell was found in possession of items belonging to her stepmother, including a laptop that was found in her backpack propping open a window. Despite the charges against her, Mitchell thanked her colleagues from both political parties for their support and expressed hope that the incident could remain a private matter for her family.
Nicole Mitchell, who represents District 47 in Minnesota, has a background as a meteorologist for KSTP-TV and Minnesota Public Radio and currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. She was elected to the state Senate in 2022 and has received support from both Democratic and Republican colleagues following the incident at her stepmother’s home. Mitchell described the situation as a true tragedy for her family and emphasized the impact of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimer’s and associated paranoia.
The criminal complaint filed against Mitchell detailed her interaction with her stepmother during the incident, in which Mitchell allegedly attempted to retrieve her father’s ashes, photos, a flannel shirt, and other sentimental items. Her stepmother reported that she did not give permission for Mitchell to enter the home or take any belongings. Mitchell’s actions caused a 911 call from the homeowner, leading to her arrest by local police. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Mitchell maintains her innocence and attributes the incident to a misunderstanding related to her loved one’s dementia and paranoia.
As the legal process unfolds, Mitchell is facing scrutiny and criticism for her alleged actions, including breaking and entering her stepmother’s home. While she has denied the burglary allegation and explained her motivations for entering the residence, the situation has sparked public interest and discussion. Mitchell’s background as a state senator and military officer adds complexity to the case, raising questions about her conduct and judgment. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the outcome will determine the impact on Mitchell’s political career and personal reputation.
