An embattled state senator is facing a second charge in connection with a burglary at her stepmother's house last April.
Democrat Nicole Mitchell (Woodbury) is now charged with possession of tools related to the break-in. Police say they found a crowbar near an egress window that they believe was used to gain entry into the home.
Mitchell was discovered by officers allegedly dressed in black in the basement in posession of two laptops, a cellphone and Tupperware.
Mitchell claims her father had recently died and her stepmother refused to talk to her or other family members.
Mitchell has been allowed to serve her Senate district until her court case which is scheduled after the legislative session.
"I am not her judge and jury. She has her day in court and we'll leave this up to people who do this for a living," State Senator Alice Mann (DFL- Edina) told WCCO's Adam Carter Tuesday.
In January, Republican State Senator Jordan Rasmussen (Fergus Falls) authored a motion to expel Mitchell, saying she is “using her privilege as a Senator to delay justice.”
That vote failed along party lines. Democrats hold a slim one-seat advantage in the Senate making Mitchell's vote a key one during the legislative session.