U.S. Marshals are trying to locate Michael Hawkins, a man suspected of sexually assaulting a wheelchair bound victim in her New York apartment while her loved ones slept only feet away.
“Predators like Michael Hawkins who prey on helpless victims must be brought to justice,” said U.S. Marshal David McNulty of the Northern District of New York. “We, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, are determined to make sure he’s held accountable, but we need the public’s help.”
On June 10, 2012, Hawkins allegedly raped the victim in her apartment after her family members went to bed according to officials. The victim, who was in a wheelchair and mentally challenged, reported the crime the next day and a warrant was issued for Hawkins’ arrest. He was charged with aggravated sex abuse in the first-degree and other crimes due to the victim’s disabilities. Hawkins remained undetected by authorities until the following year when he allegedly raped again.
On Nov. 8, 2013, Hawkins allegedly sexually assaulted the wife of a friend, who had invited Hawkins to his New York home for a family gathering. In this case, he was charged with first-degree rape.
Authorities believed Hawkins, 29, may have fled the area after his crimes. He has personal ties in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, California and Florida, but his whereabouts are currently unknown.
Nicknamed “Zombie Mike” by his friends for his poor hygiene, Hawkins was described as someone who can hide anywhere to include wooded areas and survive off scraps. Due to his past employment with traveling carnival companies based in New Jersey and North Carolina, he could be working and traveling with similar companies in Ohio, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and states along the East Coast.
Hawkins is a 5-foot-9 white man and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on his face, a burn mark scar on his right arm, and a chest tattoo of the Grim Reaper. According to friends, he is known to have a temper and abuse alcohol.
“The Schenectady and Rotterdam Police departments, along with the Marshals, have dedicated countless man-hours during this fugitive investigation,” said McNulty. “With the public’s help, we are confident Hawkins will be arrested.”
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Hawkins’ arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.
