Rape cases return to Mahoning Co. Common Pleas Court

YOUNGSTOWN — Two new trials must now be scheduled for a man whose conviction for raping two young boys was overturned by the 7th District Court of Appeals.

The Ohio Supreme Court in Columbus today refused to review the case of the defendant, Michael Kaufman, 42, of Berkshire Drive, Youngstown, thereby leaving intact the 2-1 appellate court decision that ordered two new and separate trials for Kaufman.

After a March 2008 jury trial, Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Kaufman to five consecutive life prison terms plus 20 years.

The appellate court said joining the alleged offenses in one trial was prejudicial to Kaufman. The court ordered that the alleged offenses against each boy be tried separately.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com