Jury seated for Sen. Nicole Mitchell burglary trial in Detroit Lakes

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) — A jury has been selected in the burglary trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell.

First day of jury selection has gone underway, with many of the jurors having prior knowledge of the case. And one of the biggest questions coming up for jurors is if they would be able to set aside personal feelings if they were a burglary victim.

“I don’t think you can cast judgment until everything’s laid out in front of you.”

The jury panel was pressed for answers as several had mentioned they had been the victims of home burglaries. One of the prospective jurors had two separate incidents within the matter of the last week.

“You don’t know what is happening, it’s an adrenaline rush.”

Mitchell is charged with first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Mitchell has pleaded not guilty and has been all smiles since walking into the courtroom.

Since Mitchell is a public figure, the judge had noted prior to the jury coming in that it was more than likely they would have heard about the case. During individual questioning of fifteen panelists, Judge Michael Fritz told jurors to remember, “that’s just news stories, it’s not evidence.”

Many of the prospective jurors recalled details of what they remember about news stories surrounding the case. Defense attorney Bruce Ringstrom asked panelists if they thought the location of the trial was the right decision. State’s Attorney Brian McDonald asked whether the panelists are aware that Mitchell is a state senator.

The panel was also questioned about how they define “burglary.” The panelist who was burglarized twice in the past week answered, “taking somebody’s property, breaking in and stealing what’s not yours.”

Opening statements are set to begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow.