January 5, 2004

Contact:

Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025

“CATMAN” SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM PRISON TIME

72-year-old Alfred Kaufman was sentenced to 6 years in the Department of Corrections today by Denver District Judge Michael Mullins for his earlier conviction of attempted sexual assault on a child.

Kaufman, who was called the “cat man” because he lured his young victims into his home with his cats and promises of candy, was originally charged with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl who lived in his northwest Denver neighborhood.  The jury found him guilty of a lesser charge, attempted sexual assault on a child, which is a class 5 felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison.

Denver Deputy District Attorney Mychael Dave argued that the court should find aggravating circumstances and double the usual prison time.  Testimony at trial revealed other victims dating back to 1968; one of those victims spoke at the sentencing hearing today and also urged the judge to give him the maximum.  Judge Mullins noted that Kaufman is a sexual predator before giving him the maximum 6-year sentence.  Kaufman was led out of the courtroom this afternoon in handcuffs.