A Guy in Colorado Was Given a Record-breaking 448-year Sentence for Heinous Crimes Related to Human Trafficking

By Pennie Spruill Last updated Jun 10, 2024

Robert Hawkins, a man from Colorado, was given 448 years in jail for trafficking four women and two children. This is a landmark decision meant to stop human trafficking. The sentence, which is thought to be the longest ever given for trafficking people in the United States, makes it clear that these horrible crimes will not be allowed.

Hawkins, who is 44 years old, was found guilty of 18 charges, including multiple counts of sexual assault, trafficking people, and pimping a child.

These people, whose ages ranged from 13 to adults, were abused and traumatized beyond belief by Hawkins, who forced them into sexual servitude and hurt them in horrible ways.

The trial, which lasted more than a month, showed how horrible Hawkins’ acts were and how badly they hurt the victims and their families. Many thanks to the survivors’ bravery in testifying against their abuser, which helped get this important conviction and sentence.

Judge Kandace Gerdes, who was in charge of the case, said that Hawkins’ actions were very bad and that he should get a harsh sentence to match. As she gave the sentence, she stressed how important it is to protect the weak and hold criminals responsible for their horrible actions.

Law officers, prosecutors, and victim advocates worked hard to bring Hawkins to justice, and District Attorney Beth McCann praised their efforts.

“Like most people who traffic people, Robert Hawkins didn’t care about anyone but himself and took advantage of six very helpless victims.” “This sentence should make it clear that Denver will not tolerate any form of human trafficking and that those found guilty will face harsh punishments,” said DA McCann. DA McCann said, “I want to thank the prosecutors and investigators in my office’s Human Trafficking Unit, as well as the detectives from the Denver Police Department and the FBI agents who worked together on this case and helped me get this sentence today.”

The case has also shown how important it is to teach people about human trafficking and help those who have been victims. Groups like the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking have been very important in giving victims tools and help that have helped them rebuild their lives and get over the trauma they have been through.

Hawkins’ 448-year sentence is a stark warning of how serious the fight against human trafficking is and how important it is to always protect the weakest people in society.

Chief of Police for Denver Ron Thomas said, “This outcome is a great example of how we can work together as a community to make the biggest difference in stopping and punishing human trafficking.” “When we investigate human trafficking, we focus on the victims and take into account their trauma. We also encourage victims to come forward so they can get help, and we ask our neighbors to give us tips if they think or know of these horrible crimes happening in our community.”

This important decision in history is a big step forward in the fight against human trafficking. It is hoped that it will stop other people from doing this horrible thing and give victims and their families some justice and peace.

Hawkins’ 448-year sentence is a stark warning of how serious the fight against human trafficking is and how important it is to always protect the weakest people in society.