Local News

Jaffa Shrine damaged by alleged burglar

Kaufman allegedly told police he thought his daughter was hidden in building

The Jaffa Shrine was damaged extensively Tuesday morning after a burglar who believed his daughter was being hidden there allegedly spread kerosene to burn the facility down, causing an estimated $130,000 in damage.

James Morris Kaufman, 72, of New Paris, was arraigned Tuesday evening before Magisterial District Judge Kevin Stoltz on felony charges of attempt to cause catastrophe, attempted arson of historic resource, burglary, attempted arson, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, attempted criminal mischief, risking catastrophe, theft and firearm not to be carried without a license, as well as one misdemeanor count of possession of an instrument of crime.

Unable to post $500,000 bail, Kaufman was remanded to the Blair County Prison.

Police were called to the Jaffa about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and found Kaufman right away, according to a news release on the department's Facebook page.

After detaining Kaufman, officers searched the facility for additional perpetrators and found no one.

They found damage in numerous areas, however, with kerosene "throughout the main arena/auditorium, soaking the floor and many of the seats," police stated.

They also found pieces of cardboard soaked in kerosene in a corner.

After being given his Miranda warnings and agreeing to talk, Kaufman told police he thought his daughter was being held at the Jaffa against her will.

He started to cause damage and prepared to burn the facility down when he couldn't find her, according to police.

Police obtained warrants to search Kaufman's vehicle, where they found items allegedly stolen from the Jaffa.

Surveillance footage from the Jaffa showed that Kaufman acted alone, according to police reports.

The Shrine will remain closed until city police, the Altoona Fire Department and the Shrine's insurance representatives complete their investigations of the incident and until they determine the building is safe for occupancy, according to a news release from Eric Ramsey, the Shrine potentate.

"The events of today are both disturbing and deeply troubling," Ramsey wrote. "We are grateful that no one was injured."

The Shrine leadership is also grateful for the police response, which occurred within minutes of the "intrusion (being) detected," according to Ramsey.

As there are no scheduled events at the Shrine in the immediate future, its leadership does "not anticipate any impact on bookings currently scheduled for August," according to Ramsey.

Kaufman is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones on July 22.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.