Cherokee Man Convicted for Fifth Time in Stalking Case, Faces Ban from Georgia

In a chilling saga of persistent harassment and intimidation, a Cherokee County man finds himself behind bars once again, serving time for his fifth conviction of stalking the same woman. Christopher Mackey Kaufman, aged 39, has been handed a stern sentence of 35 years, with 15 to be served in prison, after pleading guilty to six counts of aggravated stalking and five counts of violating a family protective order.

The case, prosecuted by Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway’s Office, paints a disturbing picture of relentless harassment and disregard for legal boundaries. Kaufman’s relationship with the victim, with whom he shares a child, turned tumultuous, marked by allegations of physical assault and threats. Despite the absence of law enforcement intervention during their relationship, Kaufman’s behavior escalated into a pattern of stalking and intimidation after their separation.

In a startling revelation, authorities discovered that even while incarcerated, Kaufman managed to obtain contraband cellphones, which he used to continue his campaign of harassment via social media. Such persistent and brazen disregard for legal consequences underscores the severity of Kaufman’s actions and the profound impact they had on the victim’s sense of safety and well-being.

Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Ashe shed light on the insidious nature of stalking, emphasizing its capacity to instill fear and terror in victims through subtle yet relentless contact. Kaufman’s history of violence towards the victim, coupled with his persistent attempts at contact, paints a grim picture of a dangerous individual whose actions pose a clear threat to the victim’s safety and security.

In a decisive move, Superior Court Judge Tony Baker imposed additional sanctions on Kaufman, including a permanent ban from contacting the victim and a prohibition from returning to the State of Georgia upon his release. These measures, while punitive in nature, serve as vital safeguards against future incidents of harassment and violence.

As Kaufman begins his sentence at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison in Butts County, the case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of stalking and the urgent need for robust legal measures to combat it. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judicial system in holding perpetrators accountable and providing recourse for victims of such heinous crimes.