Minnesota state senator’s narrative shifts post first-degree burglary accusation

A Democratic Minnesota state senator’s story appears to have changed after being arrested and charged with first-degree burglary Monday.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell snuck into her stepmother’s house through a window dressed in all black, according to a police complaint. During the arrest, Mitchell allegedly admitted to her stepmother that she was “just trying to get a couple of my dad’s things.” Just two days later, she says she was just checking in on “a loved one” with dementia.

“Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny,” Mitchell said in a public statement.

However, according to investigators, she previously conceded, “Clearly, I’m not good at this. … I know I did something bad.” The police report states that the Minnesota Democrat was looking to take “pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes, and other items of sentimental value.”

Police responded to the scene at 4:45 a.m. Monday after a homeowner called the police to report a burglary in progress. The suspect ran into the basement when law enforcement arrived. She was in possession of a black backpack containing two laptops, a cellphone, and other items that identified her as Mitchell.

The lawmaker called the incident a “true tragedy” in her statement and expressed her desire for the matter to be kept private.

“Like so many families, mine is dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimer’s and associated paranoia,” she said.

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Mitchell’s prosecution is not a favorable look to Minnesota Senate Democrats, who hold a one-seat majority. Her absence could make it difficult to pass legislation without bipartisan support.

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Minnesota Senate for comment.