US EditionState Sen. Nicole Mitchell Takes the Stand in Her Own Defense
DETROIT LAKES, MINNESOTA, JUL 16 – Nicole Mitchell faces felony charges after allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home to retrieve items following family disputes and Alzheimer's diagnosis, with trial focusing on intent and welfare concerns.
- On July 16, 2025, State Senator Nicole Mitchell gave her testimony during her burglary trial held in a courtroom located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
- The trial follows Mitchell's April 22, 2024, arrest at her stepmother Carol Mitchell's home after she allegedly broke in to retrieve her late father's sentimental items amid family tensions and Carol's Alzheimer's diagnosis.
- Prosecution showed body camera footage of the arrest in the basement and forensic evidence of unauthorized access to Carol's patient records days before the break-in while defense argued Nicole entered to check on her stepmother.
- Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald called this "a clear case of burglary" with charges carrying up to 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine, while Mitchell said she sought items including her father's ashes, clothes, and photos.
- The trial highlights strained family relations exacerbated by Carol's progressing Alzheimer's and conflicting claims of greed, with potential prison time if Mitchell is convicted as the defense continues presenting witnesses.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Nicole Mitchell testifies in her own defense, says she was in stepmother's home to check on her AlphaNews.org
Share This StoryThe burglary trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, continued Thursday with Mitchell testifying in her own defense. In April 2024, Mitchell was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home. Mitchell’s trial began earlier this week and has examined body-camera footage of that night and heard from multiple witnesses. On Wednesday, the prosecution rested thei…
Pine Journal
Through tears, Sen. Nicole Mitchell begins testimony in burglary trial
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Sen. Nicole Mitchell testified about her relationship with her stepmother as she took that stand to testify in her own defense on Thursday, July 17. Mitchell began her testimony on the fourth day of the burglary trial. Mitchell was charged with two felony burglary counts after she was arrested in her stepmother’s house in the early hours of April 22, 2024. She told the jury about her relationship with her stepmother, Carol…
Duluth News Tribune
In testimony, Sen. Nicole Mitchell recounts entering stepmother’s house, arrest
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Sen. Nicole Mitchell testified about her decision to enter her stepmother’s house as she took the stand to testify in her own defense on Thursday, July 17. Mitchell testified for nearly five hours on the fourth day of the burglary trial. Mitchell was charged with two felony burglary counts after she was arrested in her stepmother’s house in the early hours of April 22, 2024. She told the jury she entered the house to check…
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