Joel Kaufman, 52, who once coached at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland and Palo Alto High School, stands accused of molesting one teen boy and secretly filming another in a bathroom. And there might be more.
Kaufman, who was accused of similar acts last year, has also attempted suicide with pills and razorblades in August. Malaika Fraley and David DeBolt of Contra Costa Times have more:
Police first arrested Kaufman in August after the male he is accused of molesting and his parents contacted Orinda police in late July. Charges were not filed then, pending the police investigation, and within days Kaufman attempted suicide in a Monterey hotel room, according to police.Kaufman's 85-year-old father called 911 shortly after midnight Aug. 12 and reported his son had tried to kill himself using pills and razor blades, Monterey police said. The father, Allan Kaufman, said his son wanted to die because he was out on bail for an assault arrest.
Officers found Joel Kaufman bleeding in a hotel bathtub and had him hospitalized for a mental health evaluation.
As of now, Kaufman's whereabouts are unknown. His neighbors have described him as a shady character. "Over 20 years, not a word. Not a hello. He just comes out, that garage door goes open, and he drives down the street. Never turns his head, never said hello to him," neighbor Art Ratner told KGO.
Kauffman, who also runs owns and operates Triple Play U.S.A., a San Leandro batting cage, stands accused of "three felonies and two misdemeanors involving a minor male victim for alleged crimes from September 2005 to June 2012." One charge includes a felony count of "sexual penetration of a drugged person."
He also is accused of videotaping a minor using a bathroom.
Polcie have asked anyone with any information on the case or Kaufman's whereabouts to call Orinda police Sgt. Neil Rafanan or Detective Travis Dennison at 925-254-6820.
