Lavern C. Kauffman sentenced for sexual assault of juvenile victim

Kauffman received stayed 3-year prison sentence, 15 years of probation, and jail time following conviction for third-degree criminal sexual conduct

May 20, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Todd County court sentenced Lavern C. Kauffman to 36 months, with execution of the sentence stayed for 15 years, and 30 days’ jail for his role in the 2021 sexual assault of a juvenile in Clarissa, Minnesota. Kauffman pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct on December 17, 2025.

On September 12, 2021, Kauffman, an adult, sexually assaulted a juvenile at his family home in Clarissa, Minnesota. At the plea hearing, Kauffman acknowledged he had a significant relationship with the juvenile.

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted Kauffman upon a referral from Todd County Attorney John Lindemann under Minnesota Statutes section 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.” The authority vested in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is primarily civil.  Aside from referrals submitted under section 8.01 and Medicaid fraud, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office does not have prosecuting authority over most criminal acts. That authority generally rests with city and county attorneys.

“Lavern Kauffman’s actions are appalling, and today he’s being held accountable,” said Attorney General Ellison. “My heart goes out to the victim in this case, and I sincerely hope they are receiving all the help, care, and support possible from their loved ones. I’m grateful to the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, the Todd County Attorney’s Office, and the prosecutors on my team for all they did to ensure Kauffman faced justice.”

The Todd County Sheriff’s Office investigated this crime.