Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell Convicted for Burglary, Claims She Was Performing "Welfare Check" On The Victim

Background & Arrest

On April 22, 2024, Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL–Woodbury), a first-term legislator and former Air National Guard lieutenant colonel, entered her estranged stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes late at night. She claimed she was recovering sentimental belongings—specifically her father’s ashes—though those ashes had already been interred or mailed to her. Body camera footage captured her admitting, “I know I did something bad.” She was wearing all black and carried a flashlight wrapped in a sock (Northern News Now; Fox 9; Star Tribune) 

Trial & Testimony

During her trial in July 2025, Mitchell took the stand for nearly five hours, testifying that her intentions were to check on her stepmother’s well-being due to dementia concerns. She admitted intentionally lying to police to avoid aggravating Carol Mitchell’s paranoia (Minnesota Reformer; Fox 9; Star Tribune) 

Prosecutors introduced bodycam footage and text messages, while witnesses—including Carol Mitchell, police, and family members—testified about declining memory and conflicting statements. They argued the tools Mitchell carried (e.g., gloves, crowbar-like implements) demonstrated planning and intent, regardless of familial claims (Minnesota Reformer; Fox 9; KSTP) 

Guilty Verdict & Political Fallout

A Becker County jury found Mitchell guilty on first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools after just three hours of deliberation on July 18, 2025. The conviction carries a potential sentence of 6 months to 20 years in prison (AP News; Star Tribune; Fox 9; Axios). Senators of both parties swiftly called for her resignation or expulsion.

Senate Republican leadership condemned her actions, stating her remarks and conduct fall short of ethical expectations for public office. State Senate leaders—including Majority Leader Erin Murphy—reiterated her earlier pledge to resign upon conviction (STAR Tribune; AP News)  She has scheduled her resignation for August 4, 2025, allowing time to wrap up constituent services and secure health insurance for her son.

Related: Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn 1 of 14 Men Charged with Soliciting a Minor During Trafficking Sting

Broader Implications

This case stands as a powerful example of how personal behavior intersects with public duty. Mitchell's admission, family's testimony, and strategic defense outline a tragic family conflict. Yet the jury’s conviction confirms the legal standard: unlawful entry with intent can overshadow personal motives or grief.

Politically, this verdict jeopardizes Democratic control of the Minnesota Senate, where Mitchell’s vote proved pivotal in numerous decisions (Star Tribune; Axios) 

Why It Matters

• Ethics & Public Trust: The conviction underscores demands for accountability among elected officials, especially in tight political contexts.

• Intent Over Explanation: Minnesota law emphasizes the intent behind unlawful entry—not motive or personal justification.

• Systemic Oversight: The outcome highlights how personal misconduct by legislators can destabilize governance and public policy.