CINCINNATI - A judge sentenced the so-called “Underwear Measurer” to 44 years in prison Thursday for sex crimes.
Ben Hawkins pleaded guilty 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.
