In an unexpected turn of events, a judge from Arizona found herself in a compromising situation, publicly urinating while under the influence of alcohol. This led to her subsequent resignation and the arrest of her husband. The incident took place in the early morning hours of October 4 in Prescott, Arizona, and involved Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Kristyne Schaaf-Olson, 42.
The police were alerted to the situation by several witnesses who noticed Schaaf-Olson’s inappropriate behavior. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the judge trying to free herself from a bush, with her pants down and clearly inebriated. The officer who responded to the call described the scene as “distasteful,” noting that Schaaf-Olson was so intoxicated that she had difficulty spelling her own name. Despite her condition, she was quick to identify herself as a judge.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Schaaf-Olson’s husband, Jason Olson, the parks and recreation manager for the Town of Chino Valley, tried to intervene. Despite police orders to step back, Olson repeatedly attempted to pull his wife away from the officers. When questioned about his wife’s behavior, Olson denied that she was the one acting inappropriately.
Despite repeated warnings, Olson continued to interfere with the police investigation, which led to his arrest. As he was being taken into custody, additional officers arrived at the scene. The initial responding officer described the scene to his colleagues, noting that Schaaf-Olson was “urinating everywhere” and was so intoxicated she couldn’t spell her name.
In the aftermath of the incident, Schaaf-Olson was issued a citation for public urination or defecation. Two days later, she resigned from her position as Judge Pro Tempore in the Yavapai County Superior Court. In her resignation statement, she cited “current physical, medical, and family circumstances” as the reason for her departure. She also acknowledged that the Yavapai community deserved judges who could fully commit to their roles, something she felt she could no longer do.
Presiding Judge John Napper expressed his respect and appreciation for Schaaf-Olson’s decision to step down. Her replacement will be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court and approved by county leaders. Schaaf-Olson also self-reported her conduct to the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct, which is currently investigating the matter.
Jason Olson was cited for resisting arrest, interfering with a crime scene investigation, and obstruction of government operations. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 18.