In the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes, law enforcement officials disclosed the arrest of a former broadcast meteorologist and current state senator for suspected burglary early Monday.
Nicole Mitchell, a Democratic Senator from Woodbury aged 49, was detained on suspicion of first-degree burglary and remained in custody at the Becker County Jail. As of Monday afternoon, formal charges were pending, according to Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd.
Attempts to reach Mitchell for comment through the jail’s communication system were unsuccessful, and information regarding legal representation was not immediately available. Chief Todd also indicated a lack of knowledge about any legal counsel retained by Mitchell.
Notably, Mitchell’s arrest occurred during the Senate’s Passover recess, posing potential challenges for Senate Democrats, who currently maintain a slim one-seat majority with limited time left in the legislative session. Mitchell’s absence could impede the passage of legislation lacking bipartisan support.
Before her Senate tenure, Mitchell served as a meteorologist in various capacities, including with the U.S. military, KSTP-TV, Minnesota Public Radio, and The Weather Channel. Additionally, she holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, overseeing a weather unit, according to her official profile.
The incident leading to Mitchell’s arrest was initiated by a homeowner’s 911 call reporting an ongoing burglary at her residence around 4:45 a.m. Responding officers subsequently apprehended Mitchell at the scene, Chief Todd confirmed.
Details surrounding the case remain limited due to its ongoing investigation status, with Chief Todd awaiting input from the county attorney’s office. It’s anticipated that a formal complaint outlining the allegations may not be filed until Tuesday. Attempts to reach Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
