Denver human trafficker sentenced to 448 years in prison

DENVER (KDVR) — A Denver judge on Thursday sentenced a convicted human trafficker to 448 years in prison, what prosecutors described as the longest sentence ever given to a human trafficker in the United States. United.

FOX31 was in the courtroom as Robert Hawkins' victims testified about their experiences.

Hawkins was convicted of more than a dozen counts, including human trafficking, pimping, sexual assault and exploitation, some with minors. In addition to the prison sentence, Hawkins will be designated as a sexual predator and habitual criminal.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said after the sentencing that she hoped the lengthy sentence would “send the message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in this community and will be prosecuted aggressively.” .

Seven people came forward to testify in three different cases: four women, two girls and one man. A 13-year-old girl said Hawkins was 40 when she was manipulated by him.

Convicted Denver human trafficker rejected plea deal before trial

Hawkins' lawyer suggested he get a 40-year sentence when offered as part of a plea deal, which prosecutors hoped would help victims avoid the trauma of the trial. But he preferred to go to trial.

Prosecutors pointed to a pre-sentencing investigation report that found Hawkins was arrested, cited or detained for 57 offenses in more than 20 dismissed cases between 1997 and 2003. They also said he was placed in custody. probation in 2012 when he was accused of pimping a child because the 16-year-old was too afraid to speak.

Hawkins did not speak during the sentencing hearing. Her lawyer said he advised her not to speak because they planned to appeal. The attorney also questioned the severity of how prosecutors portrayed the victims in the case.

FOX31 is hearing from prosecutors about the sentencing and will update this story with more information.