Colorado man sentenced to historic 448 years for heinous human trafficking crimes

In a historic ruling aimed at combating human trafficking, a Colorado man, Robert Hawkins, was sentenced to 448 years in prison for the heinous crimes of trafficking four women and two children. This sentence, believed to be the longest ever handed down in the United States for human trafficking, sends a resounding message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated.

Hawkins, 44, was convicted of 18 counts, including multiple counts of human trafficking, pimping a minor, sexual assault and first-degree assault.

The victims, aged 13 to adults, suffered unimaginable trauma and abuse at the hands of Hawkins, who forced them into sexual servitude and subjected them to unspeakable violence.

Read: Man who ambushed and murdered ex-wife and boyfriend in Tampa to remain jailed

The trial, which lasted more than a month, revealed the horrific details of Hawkins' crimes and the devastating impact they had on the victims and their families. The courage shown by the survivors, who courageously testified against their attacker, was instrumental in securing this historic conviction and sentence.

Judge Kandace Gerdes, who presided over the case, expressed the seriousness of Hawkins' actions and the need for a harsh punishment to reflect the magnitude of his crimes. In handing down this sentence, she highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable people and holding perpetrators accountable for their reprehensible conduct.

District Attorney Beth McCann praised 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 respect for anyone but himself, taking advantage of six extremely vulnerable victims. This conviction should send the message that human trafficking, in any form, will not be allowed in Denver under any circumstances and that those convicted of this crime will pay a high price,” said DA McCann. “I want to thank the prosecutors and investigators in my office’s Human Trafficking Unit, as well as the Denver Police Department detectives and FBI agents, whose collaboration on this case was successful at today’s sentencing,” said DA McCann.

This case also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking and providing support to survivors. Organizations like the Human Trafficking Lab have been instrumental in providing resources and assistance to victims, helping them rebuild their lives and heal from the trauma they suffered.

Read: Orlando couple charged with gun and fentanyl trafficking

Hawkins' 448-year sentence is a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

“It is through collaboration as a community that we achieve the greatest impacts in preventing and combating human trafficking, and this result is a great example of that,” said the police chief of Denver, Ron Thomas. “We take a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach to human trafficking investigations, encourage victims to come forward for help, and ask our neighbors to submit information to police they suspect or have knowledge of these reprehensible crimes committed in our community.

This historic decision marks a significant step forward in the fight 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 victims and their families.

Help support the Tampa Free Press by making a small donation by clicking here.

Android users, click to download the Tampa Free Press app and never miss a story. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our free newsletter.