Minnesota Senator and Former Meteorologist Arrested for Burglary at Step-Mother's Home

On Tuesday, Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a former broadcast meteorologist, was arrested for allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes. The charges filed against her claim that she was attempting to retrieve sentimental items belonging to her late father, including his ashes.

According to the complaint filed in Becker County District Court, Senator Mitchell was dressed in all black and wearing a modified flashlight covered with a black sock when she was arrested. The officer who arrested her reported that he overheard Mitchell explaining to her stepmother that she was trying to retrieve her father's belongings because her stepmother had stopped communicating with her.

The complaint charged Mitchell with first-degree burglary, a felony. As a result, she remained in jail pending her first court appearance. It was noted that she had applied for a public defender but did not return calls for comment.

Mitchell's father passed away just last month, and it was indicated that this event prompted the burglary attempt. Reportedly, she had entered the house through a propped open basement window and was found with various items, including her Minnesota Senate ID, two laptops, a cellphone, and Tupperware containers.

Family Tension

The relationship between Mitchell and her stepmother had evidently deteriorated, with Mitchell claiming that her stepmother had cut off contact with her. She expressed that she was particularly motivated by her desire to obtain her father's ashes, which she believed were the reason for her actions.

Senate leaders were taken by surprise at Mitchell's arrest. While the Democratic Caucus refrained from commenting until further details emerged, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson emphasized the expectation for elected officials to uphold a high standard of conduct.

Background and Career

Mitchell's career prior to her political role included work as a meteorologist with the U.S. military, KSTP-TV, and Minnesota Public Radio. She was elected to the Senate in 2022 and continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard commanding a weather unit. Her profile also reportedly indicated prior work with The Weather Channel.