Woman who had sex with teen gets probation in La Crosse County Court

A 27-year-old Melrose woman accused of having sex with a boy on his 15th birthday was sentenced to probation Wednesday after admitting to sexual contact with a minor.

Morgan Olson pleaded guilty in La Crosse County Circuit Court to fourth-degree sexual assault, intent to expose a child to harmful material and obstructing an officer, all misdemeanors. Felony charges of child sexual assault and exposing a child to harmful material were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

According to Olson's attorney, she met the victim's father at a tavern, and he later invited her to his son's 15th birthday party in August 2011. The boy made advances, which led to sex. Olson later sent the boy nude pictures of herself and a series of text messages in which she talked about taking his virginity, according to court documents.

Olson, who suffers from physical and cognitive disabilities, was in a fragile state of mind at the time, her attorney said.

"This isn't a situation where she had to cajole the victim," said Christopher Dyer, who added, "What she did was illegal and wrong. She's very embarrassed by it. She's sorry."

Prosecutor Julie Nelson said while the boy's family wants Olson to get help, the incident affected him.

"Kids are not meant to be having sex with adults," she said.

Judge Elliott Levine sentenced Olson to a year and a half on probation, though she can end her sentence after one year if she stays out of trouble and completes sex offender assessment and any recommended treatment.

Levine said regardless of her mental limitations Olson should have known better.

"You're old enough to say, 'That's not appropriate,'" Levine said. "You have to be able to take that responsibility."

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

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