Michael Hawkins is wanted for two alleged rapes in New York.
ALBANY, New York -- "Zombie Mike," a man sought by authorities for allegedly raping a wheelchair-bound woman, was formerly employed with a New Jersey-based carnival company.
Michael Hawkins, 29. (photo provided)The suspect, 29-year-old Michael Hawkins, earned the nickname because of his poor hygiene, according to friends. He is sought by the U.S. Marshals Service in connection with two New York rapes occurring in 2012 and 2013.
"Predators like Michael Hawkins who prey on helpless victims must be brought to justice," U.S. Marshal David McNulty, of the Northern District of New York, said in a news release.
Authorities said Hawkins has personal ties in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, California and Florida, but his location remains unknown. He is also described by the Marshals service as someone who can hide anywhere, included wooded areas, and "survive off scraps."
Hawkins' past employment includes traveling carnival companies based in New Jersey and North Carolina; he could be working or traveling with other carnival companies in Ohio, Tennessee, Puerto Rico or other states along the East Coast.
Anthony Loguidice, a criminal investigator with the Marshals, said Thursday that Hawkins was employed by the Amusements of America traveling carnival company, which is based out of Middlesex County.
"They have been very cooperative with talking to us," Loguidice said, noting however that the company also employs Hawkins' brother and that it has been able to provide paperwork on all of its employees -- except for Hawkins himself.
Loguidice, who said the Marshals have already received four tips on Thursday, said Hawkins has essentially been able to avoid being tracked by traveling around the country.
According to Amusements of America's website, the carnival's next stop in New Jersey is in Washington Township, Gloucester County, from April 19 to April 23.
Authorities say Hawkins allegedly raped the wheelchair-bound victim in her apartment on June 10, 2012 after her family members had gone to bed. The victim reported the crime the following day and warrant was issued for Hawkins' arrest. He faces a first-degree aggravated sexual abuse charge among other crimes due to his victim's disabilities.
New details in toddler's death
"Hawkins remained undetected by authorities until the following year when he allegedly raped again," a Marshals service release reads.
He turned up again in Rotterdam, New York, where he allegedly sexually assaulted the wife of a friend who invited Hawkins to a family gathering. He faces a first-degree rape charge as a result of the Nov. 8, 2013 incident.
Police describe Hawkins as standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, a one-and-a-half-inch scar on his face, a burn scar on his right arm and chest tattoo of the Grim Reaper.
Friends told investigators that Hawkins is "known to have a temper and abuse alcohol."
A reward of up to $5,000 is currently offered for information that results in Hawkins' arrest. Readers with information regarding the suspect are asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or email: usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.