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A Democratic state senator in Minnesota was charged with first-degree burglary on Tuesday after authorities say she broke into her stepmother's house where the lawmaker claimed she was trying to get her late father's belongings, including his ashes.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 49, was booked into the Becker County Jail on Monday for a suspected first-degree burglary offense, according to online jail records.
A homeowner on the 700 block of Granger Road in Detroit Lakes reported an active burglary to 911 around 4:45 a.m., Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd told FOX9 Minneapolis.
During a search of the home, officers found Mitchell dressed in black clothing and a black hat, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the station. A flashlight with a sock over it and a black backpack containing two laptops, a cellphone, a driver’s license, Senate identification and Tupperware.
Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 47, was booked into the Becker County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary. (Becker County Jail)
Mitchell allegedly entered through a window and told investigators that she was trying to get her father's ashes, photos, a flannel shirt and other items of sentimental value, the complaint said. Mitchell claimed that her stepmother refused to give her the items.
"I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore," Mitchell allegedly said to her stepmother as officers placed her under arrest.
Mitchell was elected to represent Minnesota's Senate District 47 in 2022. (Minnesota State Senate)
The complaint stated that one of the laptops found in Mitchell's backpack belonged to her stepmother, who told officers that she did not give it to Mitchell. Mitchell, however, claimed otherwise.
Fox News Digital reached out to Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald, but did not immediately receive a response.
Mitchell, of Woodbury, represents District 47 since she was elected to the state Senate in 2022. She was previously a meteorologist for KSTP-TV and Minnesota Public Radio, and currently serves as lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard.
The Senate Democratic Caucus told The Associated Press in a statement that it's "aware of the situation and has no comment pending further information."
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Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, released a statement to news outlets saying that he was shocked by the arrest, but did not know any further details.
No further details about Mitchell's arrest, her relationship, if any, to the homeowner, or what charges she may face were immediately available. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, File)
"The public expects Legislators to meet a high standard of conduct," Johnson said. "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."
Mitchell's arrest could pose a problem for Democrats, who currently hold a one-seat majority in the Senate with four weeks left in the legislative session.
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