An Arizona Superior Court judge has stepped down from her position after allegedly being caught urinating in public just steps away from the courthouse where she served. The incident, which took place in downtown Prescott, has sparked conversations about public trust, professional conduct, and accountability for those in positions of power.
Prescott police responded around 1:30 a.m. on October 4 after witnesses reported seeing a woman relieving herself near the corner of Montezuma and Gurley Street — a well-known area located close to the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. According to police, the woman was later identified as Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Kristyne Schaaf-Olson.
Bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital appears to show Schaaf-Olson adjusting her clothing and sitting on a nearby bench as officers arrive on the scene. One officer can be heard saying, “This is disgusting,” as he approaches her. The video also captures her struggling to spell her own name during questioning, leading officers to believe she may have been impaired at the time.
Judge Kristyne Schaaf-Olson abruptly resigned after police caught her urinating in public on body-cam video earlier this month.
The former Yavapai County judge cited “physical, medical, and family circumstances” in her resignation statement. pic.twitter.com/FF7fZ6kRkD
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 31, 2025
Moments later, Schaaf-Olson’s husband, Jason Olson, arrived and attempted to intervene. Olson, who works as the parks and recreation manager for the Town of Chino Valley, allegedly tried to pull his wife away from the officers and repeatedly refused to follow police instructions. The situation escalated quickly.
Footage shows the officer instructing Jason Olson to step back. When he did not comply, the officer tackled him to the ground, shouting, “Get your a– on the f—ing ground, dude.” Olson responded by saying, “I’m not doing anything!” as additional officers stepped in to restrain him. Police radio captured one officer stating, “515, we’re fighting,” signaling an ongoing physical struggle.
New: Former Arizona Judge Caught on Bodycam Urinating Near Courthouse
PRESCOTT, AZ — Body-worn camera footage shows Judge Kristyne Schaaf-Olson, of the Yavapai County Superior Court, allegedly urinating in public near the Courthouse Plaza around 1:30 a.m. on October 4.
During… pic.twitter.com/P3to35cGEw
Should public officials face consequences for conduct like that of Judge Schaaf-Olson?— The Facts Dude
(@Thefactsdude) October 29, 2025
(@Thefactsdude) Both individuals were cited for their actions that night. Kristyne Schaaf-Olson was cited for urinating or defecating in public — a misdemeanor offense in Arizona. Jason Olson received citations for resisting arrest, interfering with a crime scene investigation, and obstruction of government operations, according to local news reports.
In the bodycam video, Schaaf-Olson identified herself to police, saying, “That’s fine. I want to let you know, my name is Judge Kristyne Olson.” Officers also had to assist her in signing the citation, with one directing her, “Nope, right here on the screen. On the screen.”
Just two days after the incident, Schaaf-Olson submitted her resignation. In a statement released October 6, she cited “physical, medical, and family circumstances” as the reason for stepping down. Her resignation became effective October 31.
“The Yavapai community deserves and has judges who are steadfast in their commitment to serving Yavapai County,” she wrote. “Considering current events in my life, I believe it would be difficult to honor this commitment. I have therefore decided to resign.”
According to Fox News, her pre-trial conference is currently scheduled for December 16. Her husband’s court date is set for November 18.
Though the Prescott Police Department has not released a formal statement regarding the incident, the case continues to raise questions about professional behavior among public officials. As the legal process moves forward, many will be watching to see how both cases are handled and whether any further disciplinary or legal actions follow.
This incident comes during a time when Americans are paying closer attention to the behavior and accountability of public servants. Whether in politics, law enforcement, or the judiciary, expectations remain high for those in leadership roles.
