A Cincinnati man accused of using an "underwear survey scheme" to sexually assault children agreed to a plea deal this morning.
44 year old Ben Hawkins agreed to plead guilty to twelve of the nineteen counts against him including importuning and gross sexual imposition. Seven other charges were dismissed as part of the deal.
Springfield Township police say Hawkins targeted at least 11 children. They include boys and girls ranging in age from 9 to 16. Hawkins posed as a "researcher" for the fake company "Springfield Research". He told the victims they were taking part in a "marketing survey". Hawkins would meet with the children and their parents, then take the children to a separate area and ask them to remove their clothing to inspect their underwear.
Hawkins will be sentenced January 29th. He could face up to 44 years in prison.
