A jury in northern Minnesota on Friday found state senator Nicole Mitchell guilty of felony burglary and possession of burglary tools, reports New York Times.The issue has the future of her political career and her party’s majority in serious doubt.Nicole Mitchell is a Democrat representing a suburban district near Minneapolis and St Paul. She was found guilty on Friday after a jury trial in northern Minnesota. Mitchell was arrested in April 2024 after police responded to a reported break-in at her stepmother’s home in Becker County. Officers discovered her dressed in black in the basement, holding a flashlight that had a sock pulled over it.Mitchell admitted to entering the home without permission. Bodycam footage captured her saying, “I have never done anything like this.” She told officers she had gone into the house to retrieve sentimental items belonging to her late father, including a flannel shirt, after her stepmother had cut off communication.“I just wanted to get a couple of my dad’s mementos” and “I know I did something bad,” she said during the encounter, which prosecutors used to support their case. She was charged with first-degree burglary and possession of tools commonly used for theft, crimes that carry prison sentences of up to 20 and three years respectively.Following the verdict, Mitchell was not taken into custody, and no sentencing date has yet been scheduled. She left court without addressing the media.
How the arrest of Mitchell could affect Minnesota
The conviction could affect politics in Minnesota. Right now, Democrats have just a one-seat lead in the state Senate. If Mitchell quits or is removed, the Senate would be split evenly until a new election is held. Republican Senate Leader Mark Johnson said, “If she is unwilling to resign, she must be expelled as soon as possible to protect the integrity of the Senate.” Democratic leader Erin Murphy also said she expected Mitchell to step down.Minnesota law doesn’t automatically stop convicted felons from holding office unless they are in jail. The state constitution says lawmakers must be “qualified voters,” and people in prison can’t vote. Legal experts say it’s not clear if this rule applies for the whole time someone is in office or just when they’re elected.Mitchell was elected in 2022 with a big win and represents a strong Democratic district. She used to be a TV weather reporter, served in the Air National Guard, and is also a trained lawyer.
