Former Norway Police Officer to Stand Trial for Misconduct in Office

LANSING – On Friday, former Norway Police Officer Chad Olson, 43, of Vulcan, was bound over to stand trial in the 41st Circuit Court in Dickinson County on charges for alleged misconduct during his time as a law enforcement officer, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Olson, who was a Norway Police Officer until December 20, 2024, allegedly misused his position to access the personal contact information of women through police databases. It is alleged he then used that information to flirt and curry favor with the women, which led to one sexual encounter with a woman while on duty in the police station. 

After resigning from the Norway Police Department, Olson is further alleged to have illegally purchased a pistol without a license, using his MCOLES number when he no longer had any police authority. 

Olson was charged in June with: 

• Two counts of Misconduct in Office, each a 5-year felony. One count pertains to malfeasance, involving the alleged sexual conduct while on duty. The second count involves misfeasance, involving the alleged misuse of law enforcement resources;  
• One count of Pistols – False Statement on Sales Record, a 4-year felony; and
• One count of Purchasing a Pistol without a License, a 90-day misdemeanor.  

“We expect law enforcement officers who take an oath to protect and serve our communities to do so with integrity,” said Nessel at the time of the arraignment. “I commend the investigative efforts of the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police and remain committed to ensuring those who commit such serious dereliction of duty are held accountable.” 

Olson will next appear in the 41st Circuit Court before Judge Mary Barglind on August 21 at 9:00 a.m.