Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Crime, Law and Justice
MPR News Staff

State senator arrested on suspicion of burglary at Detroit Lakes home

Minnesota State Senator Arrested
Democratic State Sen. Nicole Mitchell, right, of Woodbury, speaks with Sen. Robert D. Farnsworth, a Republican from Hibbing, on the floor of the Minnesota Senate on April 2, 2024, at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.
Steve Karnowski | AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

State Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, was arrested early Monday in Detroit Lakes on suspicion of burglary.

Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd said police received a call about an active burglary at 4:45 a.m. Detroit Lakes police and Becker County deputies responded to the call and found Mitchell in the residence.

Todd said Mitchell, 49, was arrested without incident and no weapons were involved. She was booked into the Becker County jail.

According to Becker County property records, Mitchell has family members who own property on the street where she was arrested.

Mitchell did not respond to a message, and her Senate office referred questions to a spokesperson for the Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus who said in a brief statement that the caucus is “aware of the situation and has no comment pending further information.”

Elected in 2022 to the Minnesota Senate, Mitchell is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve. She is also a former broadcast meteorologist for MPR News.

Todd said he has reviewed and forwarded arrest reports to the Becker County Attorney’s Office for a charging decision. 

Mitchell’s arrest could cause political complications as the Legislature enters its final month of the session. The DFL controls the Senate by a single seat.

Republicans said the public deserves an explanation.

“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,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks.

Any kind of ethics action wouldn’t be resolved quickly, but if Mitchell is unable to vote on legislation it could lead to 33-33 results, which stalls bills.