Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury, has pleaded not guilty to charges of burglarizing her estranged stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes following her father’s death. Mitchell allegedly broke into the home because her stepmother refused to give her sentimental items, including her father’s ashes.
A joint court filing indicated that Mitchell is pleading not guilty and is requesting a settlement conference and jury trial. Prosecutors will not be able to argue that Mitchell stole a laptop seized during her arrest, but evidence from the laptop can be used if the case goes to trial.
Mitchell’s arrest during the 2024 legislative session caused controversy among Democrats, who needed her vote due to a slim majority in the Senate. Mitchell denied the charges and rejected calls for her resignation, leading to her exclusion from caucus meetings and committees.
Her attorney cited a strained relationship with her stepmother as a factor in the incident, exacerbated by age-related issues. Mitchell’s father, who passed away in March 2023, had been married to her stepmother for 40 years.
The case against Senator Mitchell remains pending, with ethics proceedings on hold until further developments. Mitchell’s arrest and subsequent legal battle have created a ripple effect in Minnesota’s political landscape, sparking tensions within the Democratic party.
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