BECKER COUNTY, Minn. — The sentencing for former Senator Nicole Mitchell, who was convicted of burglary, has been postponed due to her attorney’s health issues. The delay comes after an official request was made by her legal counsel, Dane DeKrey, who cited a need for recovery from an illness that hinders his ability to prepare for the upcoming hearing.
DeKrey submitted a motion on September 2, seeking to continue the sentencing originally set for September 10. In his motion, he explained that the brief postponement would allow him to recover sufficiently to represent Mitchell effectively during the proceedings.
In July, a jury in Becker County found Mitchell guilty of breaking into her stepmother’s home. She faced charges for both burglary and possession of burglary tools related to an incident that occurred in April 2024. During the trial, Mitchell testified on her own behalf, asserting that her intentions were not criminal; she claimed she visited her stepmother to check on her due to her stepmother’s Alzheimer’s disease.
In contrast, prosecutors argued that her actions indicated a clear intent to commit theft. Following the jury’s guilty verdict, DeKrey expressed disappointment but also pride in the case, contending that the outcome was influenced by initial statements made during her arrest, which he believed did not represent the full context.
During the incident, Mitchell told law enforcement that she had entered the home to recover sentimental items, including the ashes of her deceased father. Despite the jury’s decision and the prosecution’s request for her immediate detention post-verdict, the presiding judge allowed her to remain free until the sentencing hearing.
Mitchell’s case has drawn significant attention, raising discussions about the implications of legal representation, mental health considerations, and the complexities surrounding family dynamics. As her case unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming sentencing, which may bring more clarity to her situation.
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