GERING – Former Mitchell Mayor Paul Murrell was arraigned on charges including one felony in Scotts Bluff County Court Friday. 

He appeared before the Hon. Judge James Worden. 

His Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for February 5 in Scotts Bluff County Court. 

In September 2025, the Mitchell City Council President received a letter from the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts. 

The letter says the office “received allegations regarding: 1) personal use of municipal equipment and resources by the City of Mitchell’s Mayor, Paul Murrell; 2) potentially questionable and excessive payments of public funds to the City Mayor and his business, “The Handyman”; and 3) certain questionable expenditures involving the Mitchell Care Center (Center).” 

An arrest warrant was signed December 16 with Murrell facing charges of Theft by Taking More than $1,500 and Less than $5,000 (Class 4 Felony); Theft by Taking, $500 or less (Class 2 Misdemeanor); Misuse of Public Property (Class 3 Misdemeanor);  Hindering Audit of Public Accounts (Class 2 Misdemeanor) and Official Misconduct (Class 2 Misdemeanor).