An ex-Democratic lawmaker was spotted working at a Dunkin’ Donuts after dodging a lengthy prison sentence Tuesday for a first-degree burglary conviction.
Former Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell was sentenced to 180 days on work release for an incident in 2024 when she broke into her stepmother Carol Mitchell’s home, clad in a black cat outfit. On Wednesday, Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted a picture of Mitchell working a cash register at Dunkin’ Donuts. Mitchell will be imprisoned for roughly 6 months, but is allowed to leave each day to work at Dunkin’. (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a free weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)
INBOX: Former Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D), sentenced to six months in jail for first-degree burglary, has now been seen on work release at Dunkin’ Donuts. pic.twitter.com/pqpyt1CUiX
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) September 25, 2025
Mitchell is also required to serve five years of supervised probation. Her 21-month prison sentence will be deferred, only becoming active if she breaches her probation terms.
In April 2024, Detroit Lakes police arrested Mitchell after her estranged stepmother, Carol Mitchell, alerted authorities of a break-in. Officers discovered Mitchell in the basement, dressed entirely in black, with a flashlight concealed by a black sock.
Bodycam footage of Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s arrest was shown during her burglary trial today.
Mitchell faces charges of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools for allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home.
The prosecution claims Mitchell… pic.twitter.com/KLWtdsGZ9w
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) July 15, 2025
During the second day of her trial in July, prosecutors presented footage from police body cameras. The video captured officers confronting Mitchell in the living room, where she was dressed in the dark attire. (RELATED: New Body Cam Footage Shows Dem State Senator Caught Mid-Robbery In Absurd Cat Burglar Outfit)
The footage also shows Carol Mitchell dressed in a robe, talking to her step-daughter as the police are arresting her.
“I was just trying to get a couple of my dad’s things because you wouldn’t talk to me anymore,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell announced her resignation after a guilty verdict in July, with her lawyers saying in a statement that she needed to wrap up some “outstanding legislative projects” before walking away for good.
“Senator Mitchell’s constituen