Governor signs bill on human trafficking

Topeka — A bill creating a crime dealing with human slavery and involuntary servitude was signed Friday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The crime of trafficking will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years and one month in prison for someone with no prior record; aggravated trafficking will have a maximum penalty of 13 years and nine months.

The new law, which takes effect July 1, was prompted by the case of a Newton couple, Arlan and Linda Kaufman, accused last year by federal authorities of fraud and abusing mentally ill adults at their group home.

Prosecutors said residents of the group home in 1999 were forced to work in the nude on a farm in Potwin, about 50 miles southeast of the Newton group home.

The couple face 35 criminal charges in federal court. They have pleaded not guilty to all counts.