(RepublicanJournal.org) – Death can drive someone to carry out actions that might otherwise be uncharacteristic of them. When one state senator’s father died and her stepmother cut off all contact, she took matters into her own hands. Unfortunately for her, that means she’s now facing removal from the state legislature, as well as a criminal charge.
Around 4:45 a.m. on Monday, April 22, police were called to a Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, home for a possible burglary in process. When they arrived and searched the home, they found a woman dressed in all black. She was identified as 49-year-old Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D). As they read the senator her Miranda Rights, she allegedly told them she was there to collect some of her recently deceased father’s belongings.
According to the criminal complaint, Mitchell said she was trying to grab some sentimental items, including a flannel shirt, her father’s ashes, and pictures. She said she got into an argument with her stepmother and they had stopped speaking, which led her to take drastic action.
The senator’s Facebook post about the incident tells an entirely different story, however. Mitchell claims she was at the house, which she held a key to for more than 20 years, to check on her stepmother who was suffering from “Alzheimer’s and associated paranoia.” After hearing news that “caused [her] grave concern,” she rushed to check on her. She further relayed that it was a private matter.
Police charged Mitchell with first-degree burglary, a felony, which carries a sentence of up to six months in a workhouse, 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $35,000. But that’s not all – her job is in jeopardy as well. Some Minnesota Senate members have called upon her to resign, something her attorney has said she has zero interest in. On Wednesday, Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against her.
Mitchell is due back in court on June 10.
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