Brittany Horn

The News Journal

A 29-year-old man charged with raping two women, including a wheelchair-bound woman in Schenectady, New York, may be hiding in Delaware, according to U.S. Marshal's Service.

Michael Steven Hawkins, also known as "Zombie Mike" due to his lack of hygiene, is charged with first degree rape of someone physically helpless, first degree aggravated sex abuse and third degree criminal sex act involving someone incapable of consent.

“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.”

Police say Hawkins raped the woman, who is both wheelchair-bound and mentally challenged, after her family members went to be in her apartment on June 10, 2012. The woman reported the crime the next day and Schenectady police issued a warrant for his arrest, according to a release from the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Authorities were not able to find him until they were notified that he raped another woman in Rotterdam, New York, more than a year later on Nov. 3, 2013. Police said Hawkins sexually assaulted the wife of a friend who had invited him to a family gathering. He was charged with first degree rape in this assault, according to the release.

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Police believe Hawkins fled New York after his crimes, but said he has personal ties in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, California and Florida. Authorities have not been able to locate him.

Hawkins was previously employed with traveling carnival companies from New Jersey and North Carolina, leading investigators to believe he could be doing similar work with companies in Ohio, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and other states along the East Coast. He was also described as "someone who can hide anywhere to include wooded areas and survive off scraps," according to the release.

The 29-year-old is 5 feet 9 inches, 160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a 1½ inch scar on his face, a burn mark scar on his right arm and a chest tattoo of the Grim Reaper. According to friends, police said, he is known to have a temper and abuse alcohol.

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading directly to Hawkins’ arrest. Anyone with information should contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or at usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.