Dem state senator caught on bodycam admits 'I'm not good at this' during alleged home break-in

Published: Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 12:05 am

Minnesota Senator on Trial for Alleged Home Break-In

A Minnesota state senator is on trial after being arrested on suspicion of breaking into her stepmother's home. Bodycam footage presented at the trial on Wednesday shows the arrest of Senator Nicole Mitchell, a member of the state's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, who was elected in 2022. Mitchell has pleaded not guilty to felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools.

The alleged incident occurred on April 22, 2024, at approximately 4:45 a.m. Mitchell reportedly entered the home of her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, in Detroit Lakes. According to the criminal complaint, Mitchell stated she was attempting to retrieve items belonging to her late father, including his ashes, pictures, clothes, and other sentimental belongings. She claimed her stepmother had refused to give her these items.

Police bodycam footage shows Mitchell being questioned by officers. She is seen in handcuffs inside a police cruiser. During the questioning, Mitchell admitted, "I'm not good at this." Officers found Mitchell in the home's basement, dressed in black clothing. They also discovered a flashlight covered with a black sock. A search of the premises revealed a black backpack stuck in a window, along with two laptops, a cellphone, a driver's license, Senate identification, and Tupperware products.

Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Mitchell parked her vehicle some distance from the home, implying a planned approach. The defense argues that Mitchell was a concerned stepdaughter attempting to assist a loved one. During the trial, Carol Mitchell testified that she felt "extremely violated" following the alleged break-in.

BNN's Perspective:

This case presents a complex situation. While the evidence appears to suggest a clear violation of the law, the underlying emotional context of a family dispute and the loss of a loved one cannot be ignored. The trial will need to carefully weigh the actions of the senator against the motivations behind them. The public will be watching closely to see how the legal system balances the need for justice with the human element of this unfortunate situation.

Keywords: Nicole Mitchell, Minnesota Senator, Burglary, Trial, Bodycam Footage, Arrest, Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, Detroit Lakes, Carol Mitchell, Criminal Complaint, Felony, First-Degree Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Stepfather, Father's Ashes, Police, Handcuffs, Defense Attorney, Prosecutors, Court, Minnesota, Politics, Lawmaker

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