MN Senators allow arrested colleague Nicole Mitchell to continue voting until end of legislative session

(St. Paul, MN) -- Republicans in the Minnesota State Senate are calling for an ethics investigation after DFL State Senator Nicole Mitchell was arrested Monday morning on burglary charges.

Senate Minority Leader Mike Johnson says a Wednesday vote was shot down by DFL Lawmakers, who needed a single dissenting vote to launch the investigation into Mitchell. The earliest an ethics investigation could be done is after the legislative session. The vote to delay the investigation drew heavy criticism from Republican lawmakers. 

"That motion to do that, to expedite the process so we can have some clarity, died today because of votes like Senator Kupec's," said Johnson  [They] said 'no no no, let's wait 30 days before this actually gets done.' We need answers now."

Senator Rob Kupec represents District 4 in the Senate, which includes Moorhead, Dilworth, Hawley, Detroit Lakes, and several other cities. 

Mitchel did not vote on the ethics investigation motion. She is accused of breaking into her stepmom's home to acquire items owned by Mitchel's recently-deceased father, including his ashes. Mitchell was released from custody Tuesday morning, with conditions.

Her next court date is scheduled for June 10th. You can find court documents related to the arrest of Mitchel by clicking here.