Mervin Kauffman sentenced to 30 years for six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct

Kauffman received 360-month sentence following sexual assaults of six juveniles

September 14, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Todd County court sentenced Mervin C. Kauffman to 360 months in prison for committing six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct occurring between 2015 through 2022.  Kauffman pleaded guilty to the six sexual assaults on June 5, 2026.

Between August 14, 2015, and September 5, 2022, Kauffman sexually assaulted six juveniles at his family home in Todd County.  At the plea hearing, Kauffman acknowledged he had a significant relationship with each of the victims.

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 authority to prosecute most criminal acts. That authority generally rests with county and city attorneys.

“Nothing can ever make up for the abuse these young people suffered at Kauffman’s hands, and my heart continues to go out to them and their families,” Attorney General Ellison said. “I am, however, pleased to see the court impose a stiff sentence on Kauffman for his horrific acts and hope that this marks a moment of healing for the victims. I am grateful to the Todd County Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices for their cooperation with and trust in my Office. I take very seriously my duty to prosecute crime when county attorneys request I do so, and I am proud of my team that won this conviction and sentence.”

The Todd County Sheriff’s Office investigated this crime.