Family faces felony drug counts

WEST JORDAN — The mother made monthly trips to the doctor's office to get her prescription for painkillers refilled and when she got those pills, many times they were sold out of her home to area high school students.

The husband also visited the doctor monthly and also took pills from his wife's supply to hide them in his office.

And then there's the son who got his own prescription refills.

All together, prosecutors say the family billed their health care provider about $13,000 for pills and medical visits to support the illicit operation.

The large flow of pills going in and out of the house ended in October when Cottonwood Heights police served a search warrant at the home of Michael and LuAnne Olson. Investigators said they found five bottles of Oxycontin, three bottles of Oxycodone and four bottles of Hydrocodone. In addition, more than $25,000 cash was found in a safe.

LuAnne Olson, 48, and 19-year-old Jace Olson were arrested on allegations of running a large drug distribution business out of their house.

Late last week, after an extensive investigation, the Utah Attorney General's Office filed 16 counts in West Jordan's 3rd District Court against the entire family.

Michael, LuAnne and Jace Olson were each charged with distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, both first-degree felonies.

In addition, Michael Olson, who was originally not arrested, was charged with third-degree felony insurance fraud, third-degree felony prescription fraud, and two counts of misdemeanor drug possession.

Jace Olson was also charged with third-degree felony prescription fraud and misdemeanor counts of insurance fraud, drug possession and drug paraphernalia possession.

LuAnne Olson faces additional charges of insurance fraud, a second-degree felony and and prescription fraud, a third-degree felony.

The Olsons lived near 7100 South and 2700 East, within 1,000 feet of Butler Elementary School. Cottonwood Heights police launched a monthlong investigation after receiving numerous complaints from neighbors of frequent short-term traffic in front of the house. Undercover officers were able to buy drugs from the Olsons, according to police.