Minnesota Senator arrested for bid to steal father’s ashes from stepmother’s home

Democratic Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, 49, was arrested for burglary charges after breaking into her stepmother’s home to get sentimental items belonging to her late father, including his ashes. The senator’s father died in March 2023.

Mitchell admitted to the burglary attempt but denied stealing, citing struggles with Alzheimer’s disease within her family, according to the Associated Press.

The incident occurred in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes, where Mitchell was taken into custody early Monday.

According to the charges filed Tuesday, Mitchell admitted to breaking into her stepmother’s home.

The arresting officer wrote in the complaint that he heard Mitchell tell her stepmother something to the effect of “I was just trying to get a couple of my dad’s things because you wouldn’t talk to me anymore”.

Mitchell faces one count of first-degree burglary, a felony, and has been released on the condition not to contact her stepmother.

Despite calls for her resignation from Senate Republicans, Mitchell is expected to continue her duties as a senator.

However, her arrest comes at a critical time for Senate Democrats, who hold a slim majority.

Mitchell’s attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Sr, highlighted the strained relationship between Mitchell and her stepmother, exacerbated by age-related issues.

He emphasised her presumption of innocence and urged restraint from judgement.

In response to the charges, Mitchell denied stealing but did not explain her unauthorised entry into the home.

She cited family struggles with Alzheimer’s disease and expressed hope for privacy in dealing with the matter.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.

REPUBLICANS CALL FOR RESIGNATION

The complaint detailed Mitchell’s method of entry through a basement window, and officers discovered her Senate ID in a backpack at the scene.

Mitchell reportedly admitted her actions, expressing regret and acknowledging her incompetence in the burglary attempt.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy affirmed Mitchell’s right to due process and indicated her return to legislative duties.

However, Minority Leader Mark Johnson called for Mitchell’s resignation, citing the serious nature of the allegations.

Mitchell, a former broadcast meteorologist with a law degree, was elected as a senator in 2022.