The NOPD has arrested a 70-year-old man suspected of multiple rapes-with the oldest case dating back to 1997.

Arrested is Robert Hamilton, (pictured, black male, DOB: 07/02/1956). Hamilton has been charged with three counts of second degree rape- the cases date back to 1997, 2008 and 2013: F-23479-97, J-32565-08, E-24938-13.

Hamilton was identified as a suspect in the three cases after being arrested in 2025 on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At that time, his DNA was placed in the FBI CODIS system. NOPD Sex Crimes Cold Case detectives were then notified that the DNA was potentially connected to the three unsolved rapes.

In each of the three rapes, the victims allegedly met Hamilton in the French Quarter and were taken to the Moon Walk area where they were assaulted.

Hamilton was arrested on Monday,  August 17, 2026, after investigators re-examined the cold cases, took additional DNA swabs to confirm the CODIS hits and ensured the viability of the old evidence.

It should be noted that Hamilton has a previous rape conviction in 1978.

"This work reflects exactly why cold case investigations matter. Time does not erase our responsibility to victims, and a case being old does not mean it is forgotten. I want to recognize the Sex Crimes Cold Case Unit and the investigators who continued pushing these cases forward," said Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

Investigators believe that Hamilton may be responsible for additional rapes/assaults.

NOPD is asking anyone who may have come into contact with him from 1997 to 2013 or even before, or if you know someone who may be a victim, reach out to the Special Victims Division at (504) 658-5523 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.

All persons are presume innocent until proven guilty.