Rep. Mark Olson sentenced today
August 16th, 2007 8:21 pm by Jason B.Mark Olson, Representative from Big Lake was sentenced today on his “misdemeanor domestic assault conviction.” Rep. Olson avoids jail, but picks up 2 years of probation among other fines. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, this is the same man that knows the cure for diabetes, determined that global warming as an issue depends on your faith, and forcefully pushed early 1900’s research papers as required readings before making a decision that smoking is harmful.
Link to an earlier post by DJ for more information on the conviction.
Star Tribune reports:
ELK RIVER, MINN. — State Rep. Mark Olson was sentenced this afternoon on his misdemeanor domestic assault conviction. He avoids jail time – 90 days in jail was stayed – but he was given two years’ probation along with nearly $400 in fines and court costs.
Olson, a Republican from Big Lake, was convicted July 13 by a Sherburne County jury for causing his wife fear of bodily harm when they collided and fell to the ground behind their home in November. He was acquitted of intentionally harming or trying to harm her after his attorney argued that he had acted in self-defense in an abusive relationship.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, and House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marsahall, have conferred about Olson’s case, but no legislative action has taken place, said Andy Wittenborg, a spokesman for the DFL caucus.
According to Anderson Kelliher, for formal punishment to take place, a complaint signed by at least two members would have to be submitted to the House ethics committee.
“Members from both sides have said they’re ready to bring a complaint, but none has been filed yet,” Wittenborg said. “People were waiting to see what happened at sentencing.”
Any recommendation for disciplinary action from that bipartisan panel would be referred to the full House for final action, most likely during the 2008 session, he said.
Serving his eighth term, Olson was suspended from the Republican caucus after his arrest. Before he was convicted, members of the House Republican leadership suggested he resign his seat.
During the trial, both Olsons testified about having violent arguments for several years that led to numerous confrontations. But they disagreed on who pushed or hit whom. They accused one another of being in a rage and causing each other fear on that November day, with Mark Olson saying his wife pushed him and they fell down only once.
Heidi Olson testified he threatened her and pushed her down three times, as well as pushing her in two other incidents and bruising her arms once by throwing two Bibles at her.
Heidi Olson, 50 , admitted in court to being ashamed that she hit her husband once and another time stabbed his favorite dresser with a knife.
Along with being on probation and paying a $300 fine and $82 in court costs, Mark Olson must have no contact with Heidi Olson and attend a 12-week behavior-oriented course.
Staff writer Bob von Sternberg contributed to this report.
Sorry for my recent lack of posting. I’ve been dealing with some personal issues as of late. I also started my new job as an RN last week! Healthcare news coming up next!