A long-running property dispute escalated into criminal charges on September 14, 2025, when Jeffrey Kaufman was arrested for allegedly damaging a neighbor’s fence with an axe and exhibiting threatening behavior.
Deputies responded to a call for service after the victim reported Kaufman entered her property and began chopping down a fence, claiming it was on his land. The victim, who was outside with her two-year-old granddaughter, expressed fear for their safety as Kaufman reportedly waved the axe in a threatening manner.
Video footage provided by the victim’s family showed Kaufman cutting the fence and stating it belonged to him. The fence, which bordered most of the victim’s residence, sustained damage to multiple barbed wire lines. Kaufman later admitted to cutting the fence, asserting it was part of his driveway.
Authorities noted a history of prior disturbances involving Kaufman, including repeated incidents of fence damage and water supply tampering between July and August 2025.
Based on video evidence, Kaufman’s statements, and his documented pattern of behavior, he was arrested and transported to the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department. He faces charges of second-degree harassment, second-degree property damage, and unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting).
