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High-Profile Defense Attorney, 3 CHP Officers Arrested In Connection With Murder

MODESTO (CBS13) — A high-profile criminal defense attorney and a California Highway Patrol officer have been arrested in connection with an intricate tale of murder and the elaborate plan to cover it up.

Korey Kauffman was last seen on March 30, 2012, and was reported missing three days later. He was last seen at the home of his best friend Mike Cooley. Cooley's home was behind the Turlock property owned by defense attorney Frank Carson.

Kauffman's remains were found the following August in the Stanislaus National Forest.

The first arrest came in March of 2014, but the investigation continued until the remaining arrests were made on Thursday.

A multi-agency task force arrested a prominent Modesto defense attorney, three CHP officers and four more people associated with Kauffman's murder.

"Kauffman supported his family by scrapping—a slang term used to describe activity related to metal thefts and property crimes as a means to make money," said Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson.

The affidavit says on the night of March 30, 2012, Kauffman planned to take pipes from Carson's property. The antiques and metal on that property had long been a target for thieves. Witnesses say Carson previously threatened that if he caught thieves, their bodies would never be found.

Deputies and the Department of Justice searched behind Carson's home on Friday. At his office, a legal aide from a neighboring law firm say Carson's name became attached to the Kauffman murder case last year when he ran for district attorney. At the time, they say rumors swirled it was just a smear campaign.

Carson's wife also faces first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. Her daughter was also arrested for conspiracy and accessory. Also arrested were two brothers who own a Turlock liquor store that were once represented by Carson.

One CHP officer was arrested in the murder, while two others—including Kauffman's neighbor—were arrested for obstruction and conspiracy.

"This rips at the soul of our organization," said CHP Commissioner Joseph Farrow. "It's not what we stand for. It's so far beyond what any organization stands for."

CHP officer Walter Wel is no longer employed by the department for conduct outside of this investigation. The other two officers are on administrative leave.

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