Lavern C. Kauffman has pleaded guilty to third degree criminal sexual conduct following the 2021 sexual assault of a juvenile in Clarissa, Minnesota. The case was prosecuted by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office after being referred by Todd County Attorney John Lindemann.
The incident occurred on September 12, 2021, when Kauffman, who was over 18 years old, sexually assaulted a juvenile at his family home in Todd County. During the plea hearing, Kauffman admitted to having a significant relationship with the victim.
The prosecution was handled under Minnesota Statutes section 8.01, which allows the state attorney general to appear in court for certain criminal cases upon request from a county attorney. Normally, prosecuting authority for most criminal acts in Minnesota is held by city and county attorneys; exceptions include referrals under section 8.01 and Medicaid fraud cases.
“It breaks my heart when adults harm children,” said Attorney General Ellison. “I will do everything I can to hold the people who commit such vile acts accountable. Justice and basic human decency demand it. And while such accountability cannot change what happened, I hope it brings some measure of solace to the victim and her loved ones.”
Attorney General Ellison also expressed gratitude to the Todd County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the investigation and prosecution.
