Albion man pleads guilty

COLFAX — James S. Olson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and is no longer facing the felony charge of rape.

Olson, 30, of Albion, pleaded guilty in Whitman County District Court assault in the fourth degree – domestic violence on July 9. He was initially charged with rape in the second degree – domestic violence in Whitman County Superior Court.

The rape charge was declined by the prosecutor due to the victim’s wishes and because it couldn’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A plea agreement was made to obtain a conviction on the misdemeanor charge.

The former Pullman resident...