Final charges dropped in Trempealeau County dry ice case

Prosecutors have dropped the final charges against a Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau teacher who allowed seventh-grade girls to handle dry ice during a basketball practice.

Brady Olson, 42, was initially charged with felony child abuse. A judge threw out those charges when prosecutors did not present enough evidence during a preliminary hearing to show that conduct caused bodily harm or that Olson acted with recklessness.

Court documents prosecutors filed Monday asked the court to dismiss a remaining count of disorderly conduct.

Prosecutors said they received numerous letters from Trempealeau County residents about the case. They also reviewed comments on newspaper stories and concluded it would be difficult to find a jury that could reach a unanimous decision.

Olson fought the charges from the beginning.

A high school chemistry teacher, Olson on Jan. 20 touched a pea-sized piece of dry ice to the player's inner knees, leaving visible burn marks, according to a testimony and a criminal complaint. Police said Olson touched the ice to his arms and put it in his mouth before asking the players if they wanted to participate.

Prosecutors filed charges, despite a police investigation that ended with no recommendations from law enforcement.

(c)2012 the La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.)

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