| State Sen. Nicole Mitchell could take the stand today in the jury trial probing felony burglary charges against her. Mitchell’s attorneys said Wednesday that they could call her to testify in her own defense in the case that stems from her April 2024 arrest at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. The prosecution rested its case Wednesday after witnesses told the jury that Carol Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell’s stepmother, felt threatened and scared of her stepdaughter and raised concerns about Nicole wanting to take her “to the cleaners” after Nicole’s father died without a will. Mitchell’s attorneys brought Carol Mitchell’s son, as well as Nicole’s aunt to the stand to raise questions about Carol Mitchell’s mental faculties as she experienced symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Court proceedings are set to continue this morning at 8:30 a.m.
Federal investigators searched several companies in the Twin Cities area that are alleged to have taken in millions of dollars in Medicaid funds for housing services that they didn’t provide. MPR News' Matt Sepic reports FBI agents on Wednesday raided five Twin Cities businesses and two homes as part of the investigation. Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said in a statement “Minnesota has a fraud problem—and not a small one. For too long, organized fraud schemes like this have flourished in plain sight, draining public resources dry. Today’s warrants are another step in a much bigger reckoning. This state needs to confront the scale of its fraud problem—because ignoring it is no longer an option.” In 2020, Minnesota became the first state to use Medicaid dollars to help people with disabilities find and keep housing. Legislators initially expected the Housing Stabilization Services program to cost $2.6 million annually. But investigators note that in its first year, it paid out $21 million, and by 2024, that figure reached $104 million.
Minnesota lawmakers are pressing for the passage of legislation creating an Office of the Inspector General following reports of potential fraud and forgery in a state housing stabilization program. Following the reports from the Star Tribune, KARE 11 and other outlets detailing alleged fraud, Sen. Michael Kreun, a Blaine Republican, called on fellow lawmakers to create an independent office of the inspector general to flag and prevent potential misuse of state dollars. “This week, many organizations have come under scrutiny for abusing a new housing program that federal authorities describe as ‘extremely vulnerable to fraud,’” Kreun said. “We must do more across every agency and department to prevent fraud before it starts. Accountability starts at the top and these headlines will keep coming until Governor Walz ends his opposition to the bipartisan proposal for an independent Office of Inspector General.” Kreun and DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson, of Vadnais Heights, worked on the proposal that passed the Senate earlier this year but failed to advance in the House.
The man charged with fatally shooting a state legislator and her husband, as well as shooting another legislator and his wife plans to plead not guilty. Associated Press reporter Steve Karnowski reports that Vance Boelter’s defense attorney said Boelter will plead not guilty. A grand jury indicted Boelter on six federal stalking and murder charges related to the June 14 killings of DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as well as the attempted shooting of Hoffman’s daughter, Hope. Boelter is due in court for his arraignment on Sept. 12.
The United States Department of Justice considered bringing criminal charges against Minnesota defense attorneys and judges who asked to make court hearings virtual to prevent federal immigration officials from arresting defendants. Reuters reports that several sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the FBI opened an inquiry into the request and floated the pitch to bring charges to law enforcement authorities in Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis. It’s not clear whether the inquiry is ongoing or the proposal has been dropped.
State Sen. Matt Klein had a fundraising edge in the second quarter compared to another Democrat (and Matt) running in the 2nd Congressional District. Klein reported raising $214,274 during the three-month period and had nearly $189,000 cash on hand. “This campaign is about bringing thoughtful, ethical, and effective leadership to Congress — and the support we’re seeing shows voters are ready to elect me,” the Democrat said in a news release. Democrat and former state Sen. Matt Little is also vying for the seat, and raised $191,400 during the second quarter. A raw committee filing report showed Little had the advantage when it comes to cash on hand. Little reported having $252,106 at the close of the reporting period. Republican Tyler Kistner has also announced he’s running for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Angie Craig. | 
