In a landmark ruling aimed at combating human trafficking, a Colorado man, Robert Hawkins, has been sentenced to 448 years in prison for the heinous crimes of trafficking four women and two children. The sentence, believed to be the longest ever handed down in the United States for human trafficking, sends a resounding message that such abhorrent acts will not be tolerated.
Hawkins, 44, was convicted on 18 charges, including multiple counts of human trafficking, pimping of a minor, sexual assault, and assault in the first degree.
The victims, ranging in age from 13 to adulthood, suffered unimaginable trauma and abuse at the hands of Hawkins, who coerced them into sexual servitude and subjected them to unspeakable violence.
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The trial, which spanned over a month, exposed the horrific details of Hawkins’ crimes and the devastating impact they had on the victims and their families. The courage displayed by the survivors, who bravely testified against their abuser, was instrumental in securing this historic conviction and sentence.
Judge Kandace Gerdes, who presided over the case, expressed the gravity of Hawkins’ actions and the need for a severe punishment to reflect the magnitude of his crimes. In handing down the sentence, she emphasized the importance of protecting the vulnerable and holding perpetrators accountable for their reprehensible conduct.
District Attorney Beth McCann commended the tireless efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocates who worked tirelessly to bring Hawkins to justice.
“Like most human traffickers, Robert Hawkins showed no regard for anybody but himself, taking advantage of six extremely vulnerable victims. This sentence should send the message that human trafficking of any kind will not be allowed in any way in Denver, and that those convicted of the crime will pay a significant price for it,” said DA McCann. “I want to thank the prosecutors and investigators in my office’s Human Trafficking Unit, as well as the detectives with the Denver Police Department and the agents with FBI, whose collaboration on this case resulted in today’s sentence,” said DA McCann.
The case has also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking and providing support for survivors. Organizations like the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking have been instrumental in providing resources and assistance to victims, helping them to rebuild their lives and heal from the trauma they have endured.
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The 448-year sentence imposed on Hawkins serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
“It’s through collaboration as a community that we achieve the greatest impacts in preventing and enforcing against human trafficking, and this outcome serves as a great example of that,” said Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas. “We take a trauma-informed and victim centered approach to human trafficking investigations, encourage victims to come forward to receive support and ask our neighbors to submit tips to police if they suspect or know of these reprehensible crimes occurring in our community.”
This historic ruling marks a significant step forward in the battle against human trafficking, and it is hoped that it will deter others from engaging in this abhorrent practice while providing a measure of justice and closure for the victims and their families.
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