Ex-Minnesota Lawmaker Sentenced Six Months Jail Burglary Impacting Senate Majority

Nicole Mitchell, a former Minnesota state senator, was sentenced to six months in jail for breaking into her stepmother's home in April 2024. The incident occurred while her stepmother, who has Alzheimer's disease, was at home, and Mitchell was caught on police body camera footage dressed as a cat burglar. Although initially claiming she entered to collect sentimental items, Mitchell later denied stealing anything, stating she was checking on her stepmother's well-being. After her conviction, Mitchell resigned from her seat, which briefly threatened the Democrats' slim majority in the Minnesota State Senate. She will serve her sentence on work release in Ramsey County, where she lives, attending her job during the day and returning to jail at night, a decision criticized by the Becker County Attorney as preferential treatment. Mitchell expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging the harm she caused, while her stepmother stated the consequences Mitchell faces are significant but justified.