Readstown police chief arrested in Nebraska, faces charges of misconduct in office, sexual assault

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READSTOWN - A small-town police chief in southwest Wisconsin was arrested at a truck stop in Nebraska overnight on eight criminal charges back home.

Readstown Chief Shay Larson was picked up without incident – and he was due in court this afternoon to consider waiving extradition back to Vernon County to face his charges. The 29-year-old Larson was charged yesterday with two felony counts of misconduct in public office. He also faces a half-dozen misdemeanor counts – two for fourth-degree sexual assault, three for disorderly conduct, and one for obstructing an officer.

According to prosecutors, Larson improperly touched and propositioned a female informant in a drug case last April – and he approached women in a sexual manner at least two other times. Last September, officials said they learned that the chief wanted a woman to perform oral sex three times – and she felt compelled to do it because he’s a police officer. Prosecutors said Larson lied to investigators about the details but later came clean.

Also, authorities said the chief saw three people drinking in a park at a birthday party – and the guest of honor said he would never forget that birthday because was quote, “partying with a cop.” The criminal complaint also said Larson asked people not to report his behavior, or tell people he had seen their illegal behavior. The charges were filed after a six-month investigation in which Larsen kept being paid. A private detective hired by the city said the investigation remains open.

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