Man With a History of Sex Crimes Gets 9 Years

A Ventura man with a long history of sex crimes was sentenced Friday to nine years in state prison.

Judge Barry Klopfer gave Hugh McCafferty, 37, the maximum sentence for attempted rape, burglary and receipt of stolen property, despite defense arguments that McCafferty was sorry for the pain he has caused.

McCafferty did not respond to the sentence.

Over the last decade, McCafferty has been convicted in California, Indiana and Wisconsin of sexual assault, criminal trespass, prowling, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Jackeline Wisetilkens said she was happy with the sentence but wishes the law allowed for a stiffer penalty.

“It is not enough to ensure public safety,” she said. “He is a serious sexual offender.”

McCafferty has demonstrated no genuine remorse for the trauma he caused victims, she said. And during his rehabilitation program he continued to expose himself to guards.

Prosectors have said McCafferty has been known to stalk women, break into their homes, watch them sleep and sometimes touch them. Then he would contact them repeatedly by phone.

One victim, Tonja Balden, 26, tearfully told the judge that McCafferty had stolen her “sense of emotional stability” by breaking into her Ventura home and wearing night goggles to watch while she and her husband slept.

Jon Balden, her husband, jumped out of bed naked and chased McCafferty through the house, finally tackling him on the front lawn. McCafferty escaped, but evidence was collected that led to his arrest earlier this year.