Mom Jailed for Refusing Therapy with Father Accused of R@ping His Children: An Unfolding Legal Drama

In a challenging and emotional case in Colorado, Rachel Pickrel-Hawkins is dealing with a complex legal situation. 

According to Rachael, the judicial system is working against her and her family.

Rachael, a mother of two, is currently serving a seven-weekend jail sentence for refusing to comply with a court order.

The court order required her to send her children to reunification therapy with their estranged father, Michael Hawkins.

The therapy was mandated as part of their divorce proceedings.

However, it has become a focal point in a larger and disturbing situation, involving serious allegations against Michael Hawkins.

Unraveling the Background: A Disturbing History

Michael Hawkins, a retired police officer, faces a litany of serious charges. 

He has been accused of raping his daughter who is now 17.

According to reports, the abuse started when she was just five years old. 

Court documents reveal that Michael allegedly molested his daughter throughout her childhood despite her repeated pleas for him to stop. 

The accusations extend beyond his biological children to include his two adopted daughters.

They also claim they were victims of his abuse.

The gravity of the allegations is compounded by an incident in 2018.

During a family vacation in Costa Rica, Michael is accused of holding his eldest son underwater until he blacked out.

This alleged act of physical abuse reportedly happened after the son saw Micheal abusing his sister and confronted him about it.

Michael Hawkins

From Courtroom to Jailhouse: The Mother’s Struggle

The family’s story took a dramatic turn when Rachael Pickrel-Hawkins was found in contempt of court. 

This was due to her refusal to comply with the reunification therapy mandated by the court.

The therapy was intended to mend the strained relationships between Micheal and his two youngest sons, aged 10 and 13. 

Rachael Pickrel-Hawkins  has openly criticized the therapy.

She labeled it as psychological manipulation and coercion rather than a genuine attempt at reconciliation. 

Her refusal to participate resulted in a sentence requiring her to spend seven weekends in jail as punishment.

Amidst this, Rachael has been vocal about her experiences.

She shared her journey through TikTok videos where she expressed her frustration and determination to protect her children. 

The case has attracted significant public attention and received substantial financial support from donors who want to help with her legal battles.

Rachael Pickrel-Hawkins 

The legal repercussions for Racheal Pickrel-Hawkins have been severe. 

Despite the ongoing criminal investigation into her husband Michael, the court has upheld the reunification therapy. 

Racheal Pickrel-Hawkins has been accused of obstructing this process, leading to her incarceration over multiple weekends. 

The sentence, beginning on August 31, 2024, highlights a troubling aspect of the legal system. 

A protective mother seems to be penalized for opposing what she believes to be harmful therapy for her children.

As the trial continues, the judicial system’s handling of reunification therapy is under scrutiny. 

Lawmakers and advocates have criticized the court’s decisions.

They argue that they place children at risk by enforcing therapy with a parent accused of severe abuse. 

The case has prompted legislative action, with state representatives pushing for reforms in family court practices and demanding more accountability from the judiciary.

Below is a video from Law and Crime analyzing the case with a lawyer, if you wish to learn more.

In another case, a woman was tragically murdered on her birthday by a man who lured her to his home after seeing she was intoxicated. 

Click here for more details on this case