On Tuesday, the US Department of Justice disclosed that a man has been sentenced to 9 years for sexually assaulting a detainee from Washington during her transfer to a Minnesota detention center at a rest stop in Missouri.
US Department of Justice sentenced a man to 9 years for sexual assault. (Photo: ksdk.com )
Prisoner transporter sentenced to 9 years for raping a detainee during transfer
The United States Department of Justice recently announced the shocking news that Rogeric Hankins, a 37-year-old private prisoner transporter, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the heinous act of raping a detainee during her transfer. This disturbing incident took place at a rest stop in Joplin, Missouri.
Hankins, who was sentenced to 9 years, was employed by Inmate Services Corporation and had the responsibility of transporting inmates arrested on out-of-state warrants. Tragically, he violated his position of authority and trust in the most reprehensible manner, which led to his being sentenced to nine years. Prosecutors revealed that in March 2020, Hankins picked up a pretrial detainee from a jail in Olympia, Washington, with the intention of taking her to St. Paul, Minnesota.
During their journey, Hankins made an unscheduled stop at a rest stop in Joplin, Missouri, where he committed the heinous act that led to his being sentenced to nine years in prison. He forcefully took the victim into a bathroom stall, subjecting her to a traumatizing rape. This abhorrent act not only caused immense physical and emotional harm to the detainee but also violated her constitutional right to bodily integrity.
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Justice system ensures 9-year consequences for Hankins’ actions
The news of Hankins’ sentenced to 9 years in prison has left the public shocked and outraged. The severity of the crime demands swift and firm justice. However, as of now, Hankins’ public defenders have not responded to requests for comment regarding the case. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the gravity of the sentence imposed on the suspect, stating, “The defendant sexually abused and violently assaulted a woman in his custody, exploiting his authority and depriving this survivor of her constitutional right to bodily integrity.”
The decision by the Department of Justice to hold Hankins accountable for his abhorrent actions sends a resolute message that such reprehensible acts of abuse will not be tolerated. It serves as a stark reminder that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding detainees must uphold their duty with unwavering integrity and respect.
The sentencing of Rogeric Hankins to 9 years in prison represents a significant step towards justice for the victim. It underscores the imperative need to protect the rights and well-being of all individuals, particularly those in vulnerable positions under the care of others. By imposing a sentence of 9 years, the justice system ensures that Hankins faces the consequences of his actions. This case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of upholding justice and striving to prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future. The victim’s rights and dignity must be respected, and those who commit such crimes must be held accountable for their actions.
Sentenced to 9 years in prison, Rogeric Hankins’ conviction highlights the necessity for a robust legal system that safeguards the rights and safety of all individuals, unequivocally condemning acts of violence and abuse perpetrated against the vulnerable.
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