44 Years For The Underwear
'Underwear Measurer' Gets 44 Years For Sex Crimes
A judge sentenced the so-called “Underwear Measurer” to 44 years in prison today (1-29-09) for sex crimes. WLWT in Cincinnati has reported that Ben Hawkins pleaded guilty back on Dec. 10 to 13 counts, including gross sexual imposition and importuning, in connection with a scheme to trick parents into providing access to their underwear-clad children. Prosecutors said Hawkins told parents that he worked for Springfield Research, a fictitious company, and asked for assistance as part of a marketing survey.
Hawkins met with the parents and children, who ranged in age from 9 to 16 years old, and moved the children to a separate area, where he asked them to remove their clothing so he could inspect their underpants, prosecutors said. Investigators said Hawkins pretended to take notes while he watched his victims try on undergarments and returned home later to sexually gratify himself.
According to authorities, Hawkins committed these crimes from March 1 through July 25 in several Hamilton County cities, including Amberly Village, Saint Bernard, Springdale and Harrison. Authorities said he had previous convictions on charges connected with the attempted use of minors for sexual purposes.
An Ohio man convicted of raping three women gained the trust of his victims by telling them he was their "gay best friend," investigators say.
Robert Williams, 26, was found guilty this week in Cincinnati and faces up to 40 years in prison, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Police are looking for other victims.
Investigators say Williams spent months building a relationship with his victims, talking to them about religion and in one case even offering to loan a woman money. Then he would get them into his home and sexually assault them.
"I use the analogy of the spider and the web," Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Katie Burroughs said. "He weaved intricate lies about who he was and what he was. Once the women became ensnared, he pounced."
In one case, targeting a 17-year-old, Williams was apparently not willing to work slowly He told the teenager he could help her become a model, promising she would meet a photographer at his house.
Williams was arrested when the teen reported the rape to police.
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