State Lawmaker Resigns After Harassment Complaint

Rep. Jeremy Olson, R-Arnegard.  (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)

(By: Michael Achterling. North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota state Rep. Jeremy Olson resigned his legislative seat, a decision legislative leaders said was connected to a harassment complaint filed against the lawmaker.

Olson, a Republican from Arnegard, wrote in a brief letter that he believes resigning “is in the best interest of the Legislature, my constituents, and my family.”

House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, said he was informed that a complaint was filed against Olson on Friday, the last day of the legislative session. Lefor said the complaint was filed with Senate Minority Leader Sen. Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo.

Hogan said the harassment complaint was withdrawn Sunday after the person who filed it learned about Olson’s resignation. She added the withdrawn complaint will not become a public record.

“People who have been in these situations are very hesitant to complain because of the public record issues,” Hogan said. “And that’s why the person pulled the complaint and doesn’t want a full investigation. And it’s not necessary because Jeremy (Olson) is gone.”