Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — The high-profile burglary trial of Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell officially got underway today in Becker County after repeated delays.
Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, is charged with first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools stemming from an April 2024 break-in at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes.
Mitchell has pleaded not guilty, claiming she entered the home to retrieve sentimental items belonging to her late father. She also stated her stepmother suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, which she says affected the situation.
Jury selection began this morning, and the trial is expected to last about a week. For transparency, court officials have set up an audio-video stream with a 10-minute delay for public access.
Notably, Mitchell is also known as a former KSTP TV meteorologist, adding another layer of public interest to the already sensitive case.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.