On Monday, April 22, Senator Nicole Mitchell was arrested on suspicion of felony burglary in Becker County.
Court documents say around 4:45am Monday morning, Detroit Lakes police officers were called to a home off of Granger Road and Long Avenue after the homeowner called 911 to report that someone was in her home. The caller told police that the intruder ran into the basement of the home.
Police say when they got there, they found Mitchell, dressed in all black clothing, and ordered her to the ground and placed her under arrest.Officers also noted that Mitchell had a flashlight that was covered by a black sock.
Through further investigation, police determined that Mitchell got into the home through a window of the basement. Police found a backpack that Mitchell had with two laptops, a cell phone, Mitchell’s Minnesota driver’s license, her Senate identification and miscellaneous Tupperware. Mitchell told officers that the laptops were hers and that she had "just gotten into the house" and "clearly, I’m not good at this."
When officers opened the laptop and pressed a button, the Victim's name popped up. Mitchell tried to claim the laptop had been given to her "way back when."
You can read the criminal complaint and police report here:
Mitchell then requested a public defender, a service only available to those who can't afford their own attorney. Her request was denied. You can see that court order here:
This is a major embarrassment for the state and community. Check out just some of the headlines:
Valley News: ‘Clearly, I’m not good at this’; MN State Senator allegedly broke into home to get her father’s ashes
USA Today: Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell arrested and charged for burglary after being found in home
And many, many more.
On Wednesday, April 24, a motion was put forward in the Senate to fast track an ethics investigation into Senator Mitchell's conduct.
The motion was defeated on a party-line vote.
After that vote, the 911 transcript was released, revealing the intrusive and serious nature of the crime.
"I tripped over 'em. Ah, he was on the floor next to my bed. He ran downstairs into my basement." -Victim on 911 call
Read it here:
On Monday, April 29, the Senate voted on whether to consider a motion to remove Senator Mitchell's voting ability. The motion was defeated along party lines. Essentially, the Democrat majority has voted against any accountability. Senator Mitchell can still vote and go about her normal Senate business, despite the felony burglary charge.
We need swift action from the Senate. Call your Senator and demand they open a swift investigation, remove Senator Mitchell's legislative authority, and stop being complicit in the cover up.
Senator Judy Seeberger: 651-297-8060
Senator Aric Putnam: 651-296-6455
Senator Rob Kupec: 651-296-3205
Senator Grant Hauschild: 651-296-1789 Senator Heather Gustafson: 651-296-1253
This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by Renew Minnesota, PO Box 26471, Minneapolis, MN 55426. It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it.
Funny,,, how this all falls upon political voting… Can anyone tell me,,, where common sence comes into play here? The story is the story. Unbiased in any way. Until the political vote comes threw. Yes, she has the right to a fair and partial jury. But our congress doesnt think so. Enough with it all. If she did all this, and is a member of Minnesota governance, let her stand trial in front of her peers. Im so sick and tired of polotics running this state, let alone the country..
If she is convicted of felony burglary she should be jailed and removed from office. But she has not been found guilty yet and our system of jurisprudence still assumes innocence until proven guilty.
The same should happen to politicians all the way up the ladder!
Including former presidents!