Democratic Senator Nicole Mitchell from Minnesota was apprehended on Monday under suspicion of burglary in Detroit Lakes. Local reports indicated that Detroit Lakes Police Department (DLPD) officials responded to a residence following a report of burglary. DLPD Chief Steve Todd confirmed that the 49-year-old senator was transported to Becker County Jail. A homeowner made a 911 call around 4:45 a.m. reporting an ongoing burglary at her residence, as relayed by Todd to ABC News. Limited information has been disclosed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Todd mentioned that a formal complaint outlining the accusations may not be made public until Tuesday, as reported by ABC News.
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KFGO) – A lawmaker from Woodbury, Minnesota was arrested early Monday morning after police in Detroit Lakes were called to a home for a burglary.
Police Chief Steve Todd says Nicole Mitchell, 49, was taken to the Becker County Jail. He says the homeowner… pic.twitter.com/hlMycjaiTl
— D. Scott @eclipsethis2003 (@eclipsethis2003) April 22, 2024
The obituary published by a Detroit Lakes funeral home, along with public records, revealed that Mitchell’s deceased father and stepmother resided on the same block in Detroit Lakes where Mitchell was apprehended. The Senate Democratic Caucus informed ABC News that they were cognizant of the matter but refrained from making any statements until more details were available. In contrast, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson expressed astonishment regarding the incident.
“The public expects Legislators to meet a high standard of conduct,” Johnson told the outlet. “As information comes out, we expect the consequences to meet the actions, both in the court of law, and in her role at the legislature.”
Miller was taken into custody for first-degree burglary, although the legislator has yet to face any official charges. Mitchell has a background in meteorology, having worked for the U.S. military, as well as KSTP-TV and Minnesota Public Radio, before being elected to the Senate in 2022. With Democrats holding a slim one-seat advantage in the Senate, their majority is at risk as the upcoming lawmaker elections approach.