Minnesota Senator Faces Ethics Panel Over Burglary Charge

Senator Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury, Minnesota, is facing an ethics complaint after being charged with burglary for allegedly breaking into her estranged stepmother's house.

The complaint alleges that Mitchell broke into the house last month to retrieve items of sentimental value belonging to her late father, including his ashes. Mitchell claims her stepmother refused to return the items.

An ethics panel consisting of two Democrats and two Republicans was deadlocked on how to proceed with the complaint. The panel ultimately decided to defer further action until after Mitchell's next court date.

Senator Eric Lucero, a Republican from St. Michael, argued that Mitchell's actions violated Senate rules and damaged the reputation of the Senate. Senator Karin Housley, a Republican from Stillwater, agreed, stating that Mitchell's actions were "planned and deliberate."

However, the panel's chair, Senator Bobby Joe Champion, a Democrat from Minneapolis, argued that it was prudent to wait until the evidence in the case was tested for accuracy before taking further action.

The allegations against Mitchell have created a dilemma for her fellow Democrats. The party holds a one-seat majority in the Senate, making Mitchell's vote crucial for passing legislation. While Mitchell has been excluded from caucus meetings and removed from her committees, she has not been publicly asked to resign.

Mitchell resumed voting on the Senate floor last week, including on votes directly affecting her.