![]() ![]() |
This article's content is marked as Mature The page contains mature content that may include coarse language, sexual references, and/or graphic violent images which may be disturbing to some. Mature pages are recommended for those who are 18 years of age and older. If you are 18 years or older or are comfortable with graphic material, you are free to view this page. Otherwise, you should close this page and view another page. |
“ | I never touched a child. I was never in a room with a child. I don't... I don't know anyone who has. I'm a parent, for God's sake! | „ |
~ Abraham trying to make excuses for possessing and distributing child pornography |
Henry "Hank" Abraham is the main antagonist of the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode "Collateral Damages". He is a recurring character who worked as the head of the NYPD's PR department before being arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography.
He is loosely based upon two people: Russell Taylor, the director of the Jared Foundation, who was imprisoned in 2015 for running a child pornography ring with Subway spokesman Jared Fogle; and Jace Alexander, a former television director who helmed several episodes in the Law & Order franchise who was arrested in 2015 for possession of child pornography.
He was portrayed by Josh Pais.
Biography[]
Past[]
He was married to Pippa Cox, a lawyer who defended children and they were together for years, with no one except a few knowing of their marriage. They had two children, Jordan and Lia. Hank was seen as loving family man by them.
He worked as a campaign manager until he talked the new mayor into making Deputy Commissioner. Unpleasant and abrasive, he is widely disliked within the NYPD; Lieutenant Olivia Benson of the Special Victims Unit calls him an "angry prick".
"Collateral Damages"[]
Hank's crimes are revealed when SVU detectives catch him in the act of uploading child pornography while hunting down members of a pedophile ring. He tried to deny the allegations but was not believed and was dismayed that IAB and the police force came to arrest him. Hank assured his family everything would be fine before he has Pippa call his lawyer to represent him.
While represented by Roger Kressler, he continued to lie by calling it a misunderstanding, until IAB captain Ed Tucker and Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba revealed that they have found flash drives in his home containing pornographic images of children and they know that he visited child pornography sites multiple times. His lawyer became distressed and asked for more time to discuss things. Much later, he refused a deal while in denial about his guilt, though Barba warned him should he take it, as he would be in great trouble otherwise. In spite of this, he didn't budge.
At his arraignment, he was placed on house arrest and wore an ankle bracelet while his family were being scrutinized by the media on this news. Much later, his wife realized his true colors and moved out, placing their children in the custody of her parents who were disgusted by Hank's actions. Afterwards, he and his lawyer called Barba and tried to get a deal but Barba reveals it was too late, because of his position and the attention he has amassed he will likely face the maximum sentence. In spite of denying ever abusing a child, Hank was told by both lawyers the feds are trying to charge him. Having heard this, a defeated Hank ordered them to get out.
Abraham then tried to kill himself by cutting his wrists in the tub, but his wife saved his life, and he was brought to a hospital. He pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child pornography, while expressing remorse for his actions, and promised to try to get better for his family.
Hank was imprisoned in protective custody for four years while being put on the sex offender registry for 20 years.
External links[]
- Hank Abraham at the Law & Order Wiki