By: Jessica Shorten
CONROE, TX – A Humble man pled guilty to stalking his ex-girlfriend just moments before jury selection began in his case Monday.
49 year-old Kenneth Mahaffey pled guilty to Third Degree Felony stalking in the 221st District Court Monday and received a 40 year sentence at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Mahaffey was reported by his ex-girlfriend on May 25, 2020 after receiving numerous e-mails containing threats to both her and her family. Prior to breaking off the relationship, the ex-girlfriend detailed to Deputy Clayton Colson that Mahaffey had been physically and emotionally abusive towards her throughout the relationship.
Deputy Colson conducted and investigation and advised Mahaffey to stop communicating with the victim. However, Mahaffey began escalating his threats by sending e-mail at all hours of the day and night, including one which stated, “you’re gonna be [the] reason I end up on death row.”
Mahaffey would also slowly drive by his ex-girlfriend’s residence and show up unannounced in an effort to get her alone. This led to the victim’s father confronting Mahaffey at gunpoint on June 1, 2020 when Mahaffey showed up again, unannounced, on their front porch. Mahaffey left before law enforcement were able to respond to the home, but an expedited warrant was requested by MCSO Deputy Currington in order to prevent harm coming to the ex-girlfriend or her family.
Assistant District Attorney Kevin Bratcher, who led prosecution on the case, stated, “We are very grateful for the proactive approach by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in getting this violent felon off the streets before he could carry out his threats. We hope the victim and her family can finally find some peace.”
According to court and criminal records, Mahaffey previously assaulted a different ex-girlfriend with a brick and trying to force her into the trunk of her vehicle. Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office rescued the woman from Mahaffey’s hotel room at the time and found a gram of crack/cocaine and was arrested. Mahaffey has also been arrested and served prison time for forgery, engaging in organized crime, and evading arrest with a motor vehicle.
“Stalking is one of the ways perpetrators of domestic violence maintain control over their victims. The abuser tries to present two options to a victim: be abused with me or live in fear without me. However, this case demonstrates that victims have another option which is to seek help from law enforcement,” stated District Attorney Brett Ligon. “Montgomery County law enforcement, including the District Attorney’s Office, will answer that call. There is help, there is hope, and there is a place to put away the Mahaffeys of this world.”