In a shocking turn of events, Democratic state Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury, Minnesota, has been charged with first-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into her stepmother's house to retrieve her late father's belongings. Mitchell, a first-term senator, was arrested in Detroit Lakes early Monday morning.

According to the charges filed on Tuesday, police arrived at the scene in response to a burglary call and found Mitchell in the basement of her stepmother's home, dressed in all black clothing. She was detained after she explained to her stepmother that she was trying to retrieve her father's belongings as the stepmother had stopped communicating with her. Mitchell's father passed away last year.

Upon searching the premises, officers found a flashlight with a black sock covering near Mitchell. They also discovered a sliding window that had been opened, with a black backpack stuck in it. Inside the backpack were two laptops, a cell phone, Mitchell's Minnesota driver's license, her Senate identification, and miscellaneous Tupperware. Mitchell admitted to recently entering the house and claimed both laptops were hers.

Mitchell cited her late father's ashes as one of the main reasons behind her actions. She shared that her stepmother had refused to provide her with items such as pictures, a flannel shirt, and the ashes, which motivated her to break into the house.

Roderick Mitchell, the senator's father, passed away in March 2023 at the age of 72. His estate, valued at $172,931, was settled earlier this year, with Carol Mitchell, the stepmother, being named the sole heir. Despite Roderick Mitchell not having a will, the court awarded his estate to his surviving spouse.

Upon questioning, Mitchell admitted to leaving Woodbury around 1 a.m. to reach her stepmother's house, where she entered through the window where the backpack was found. However, one of the laptops Mitchell attempted to take was allegedly her stepmother's, as her name appeared upon opening the device.

Mitchell now faces charges of first-degree burglary, a felony that carries a potential sentence of six months in the workhouse to 20 years in prison. As a first-time offender, she is unlikely to receive the maximum penalty. The charge also includes a possible fine of up to $35,000.

During her court appearance held remotely from the Becker County jail on Tuesday, Judge Gretchen Thilmony set bail for Mitchell at $40,000 without conditions, but she allowed her to leave without posting cash or bond provided she adheres to specific conditions. These conditions include not leaving the state unless it is for official legislative business or to visit her family in Cass County, North Dakota.

Mitchell's arrest has sent ripples through the Democratic Party in Minnesota. With the DFL controlling the state Senate by just one seat, Mitchell's absence could pose challenges in passing bills without bipartisan support.

Political experts, such as Hamline University professor David Schultz, have noted that these allegations significantly impact negotiations and the dynamics of the Senate and Legislature. The question arises for the DFL whether they should ask Mitchell to step down from her position.

Senator Mark Johnson, a Republican from East Grand Forks, has called for Mitchell's immediate resignation, stating that her actions are unbecoming of a legislator.

In response to the charges, Senator Erin Murphy, the DFL Senate Majority Leader, issued a statement expressing her distress over the allegations. Murphy emphasized the importance of due process and acknowledged that Mitchell should have the opportunity to defend herself in court. However, Murphy also emphasized that Mitchell must engage in serious and difficult discussions with her colleagues, constituents, and family in the days and weeks to come.