Nicole Mitchell, a former Minnesota Senator and member of the Democratic-Farmer Party, has issued an apology prior to her sentencing for a felony robbery conviction, resulting from her breaking into her stepmother’s home in April 2024. On Tuesday, she was sentenced to six months in jail.
In court, Mitchell expressed remorse, stating that she had made a series of poor decisions. “I’ve ruined everything and done something wrong,” she said. “I intend to use this time to reflect and work on becoming a better person.” The judge, Michael Fritz, has permitted her to serve her 180-day sentence at the Ramsey County Jail, part of a work release program. Her defense lawyer mentioned that Mitchell has recently been employed at a fast food restaurant and, additionally, will be on probation for five years.
Mitchell took office shortly after being convicted of felony robbery and possession of burglary tools. In her statement to investigators, she mentioned that she was trying to retrieve personal items from her stepmother’s home, including her father’s ashes and a flannel shirt.
Authorities found two laptops, a mobile device, and other items in a backpack left at the scene, along with a flashlight wrapped in a black sock. Carol Mitchell, her stepmother, reported feeling very violated by the incident and, following the verdict, expressed that the six-month sentence felt inadequate for the emotional distress she endured. “Knowing she’s lost her child and her job, it will certainly affect her,” Carol said.
