Attorney General's News Release

February 19, 2008

Judge keeps St. Louis man committed as sexually violent predator after Nixon opposes his release

St. Louis, Mo. — A judge in St. Louis City has determined that Larry Coffman of St. Louis, previously found to be a sexually violent predator (SVP), must remain committed at the state treatment center in Farmington. Attorney General Jay Nixon opposed Coffman’s release from confinement, and Circuit Judge David L. Dowd signed the commitment order in Nixon’s favor on Wednesday (Feb. 13).

Nixon’s office originally sought to have Coffman (DOB – 2/10/45) committed as an SVP due to his 1985 St. Louis City convictions on three counts of sodomy involving ten and eight-year old boys. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Nixon’s office filed a petition for civil commitment on July 28, 2000, and Coffman was committed by a jury as an SVP on Jan. 13, 2004.

“My office will continue to aggressively pursue the indefinite commitment of those who still pose a threat to the public safety of Missourians,” Nixon said. “While they are committed, these offenders can get the treatment they need.”

Those committed by the court as sexually violent predators have the right to have their cases reviewed to determine of their mental abnormality has so changed that they are not likely to commit acts of sexual violence if released.

Currently, there are 96 sexually violent predators held in civil commitment in Missouri. Sexually violent predator commitments are handled by the Public Safety Division in Nixon’s office. Missouri’s sexually violent predator law took effect in January 1999.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818