Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell was convicted Friday on felony charges stemming from a 2024 incident in which she broke into her stepmother’s home.
A jury in Becker County found Mitchell guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools following a multi-day trial in Detroit Lakes.
Mitchell was arrested on April 22, 2024, after Detroit Lakes police responded to a report of a break-in at her stepmother’s residence.
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According to the police report, officers found Mitchell dressed in black clothing, wearing latex gloves, and in possession of a crowbar and a flashlight covered with a black sock.
She was apprehended inside the home.
Following her arrest, Mitchell admitted to entering the home without permission.
She told law enforcement that she was attempting to retrieve personal items belonging to her late father and expressed concern for her stepmother, who she said suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
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Mitchell also admitted to providing false information to police officers during the initial investigation.
At the end of the body-cam video Sen. Nicole Mitchell is seen saying “Oh God, my military retirement” after realizing she is being arrested for burglary.
Brutal. pic.twitter.com/8GFrYMqRXX
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) July 15, 2025
Despite her explanations, the jury found Mitchell guilty of unlawfully entering the property and possessing tools commonly associated with burglary.
Prosecutors argued that her actions demonstrated intent to commit a crime and violated state law.
Mitchell declined to speak to reporters after the verdict was read.
Her attorney confirmed that she intends to appeal the conviction.
Since her arrest, Mitchell has faced pressure to step down from her position in the Minnesota Senate.
Members of both parties have called for accountability, but leadership in the Democratic-controlled Senate had held off on formal action pending the outcome of her trial.
In a statement issued after the jury reached its verdict, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the legal process had run its course and called on Mitchell to honor her prior commitment to resign if found guilty.
“Senator Mitchell has been afforded due process, a trial by a jury of her peers, and that jury has delivered a verdict. I am relieved to see the end of Senator Mitchell’s trial. The case’s resolution brings clarity to the situation,” Murphy said.
“Senator Mitchell has told colleagues that she intended to resign if found guilty of this crime, and I expect her to follow through on that pledge. Our caucus remains focused on the issues that matter to Minnesotan families and communities.”
Mitchell’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Under state law, the felony conviction carries a minimum sentence of six months in jail.
In addition to possible jail time, the conviction could result in Mitchell’s removal from office if she does not voluntarily resign.