Former Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat, was sentenced Tuesday to six months in prison.
The Democrat politician was jailed after being convicted of felony burglary for breaking into her stepmother’s home last year.
Mitchell, who resigned from office in July after her conviction, apologized in court before sentencing.
“I messed everything up, and I did something wrong,” she told the judge.
“And I will work on being a better person, and with whatever is decided here today, trying to use that time to reflect on how I possibly repair this.”
Judge Michael Fritz sentenced Mitchell to 180 days in jail.
The judge is allowing her to serve the time at Ramsey County Jail under a work-release program.
Mitchell, a former meteorologist with both military and broadcast experience, recently took a job at a fast-food restaurant, her attorneys said.
She will also serve five years of probation.
Burglary Details
Mitchell, elected in 2022 as a Democrat–Farmer–Labor (DFL) lawmaker, was convicted of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Prosecutors said she broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes in April 2024, entering through a window while dressed in black.
She told investigators she was trying to retrieve sentimental items that belonged to her late father, including his ashes, photos, and a flannel shirt.
She claimed her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, allegedly refused to give her the items.
Police discovered a black backpack stuck in the window containing laptops, a cellphone, Senate identification, and other items.
Officers also said Mitchell was carrying a flashlight covered by a black sock.
Victim Impact
Carol Mitchell, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, testified during the trial that she felt “extremely violated” by the incident.
After Tuesday’s sentencing, she told the Star Tribune she did not believe six months was sufficient punishment.
“But at least I know it’s going to hurt her … losing her children and losing her job,” she said.
“I guess there’s definitely repercussions for what she did.”
Political Fallout
Mitchell’s conviction and resignation capped a dramatic fall for the freshman lawmaker, who once represented a suburban district in Minnesota’s Senate.
She was compelled to step down one week after the jury verdict, ending a brief but controversial tenure in public office.
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