Harrison “Hardbody� Norris, aka “The Colorado Crusader,� aka “The Georgia Blond� now awaits the jury’s verdict in his bizarre sex slave/human trafficking case. Norris ran a wrestling camp at a suburban home in Atlanta.
Norris says many of the women arrived on drugs and left in the best shape of their lives. The women say that may be true, but the push-ups, squats and strict diets were designed to prepare them for something else: prostitution. They say Norris pimped them out at Latino nightclubs, trailer parks and parties until three of them ran to police during a shopping trip in Smyrna.
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A former U.S. Army sergeant and Gulf War veteran, Norris imposed a military-style structure in the homes, several witnesses said. The more-experienced women were designated “team leaders” who watched over “soldiers.” Norris, who slept in the “General’s Quarters,” controlled their movements and their money, said Rose Davenport, a team leader. She testified that the women had to memorize “Hardbody’s 10 Commandments.” The first commandment was “Respect Hardbody.” The 10th: “If you have any questions, ask Hardbody.”
Norris also kept a list of chores for each woman on the refrigerator, she said. Those who didn’t cut down trees, plant sod or cut the grass earned fines for their teams, too. The result, several women testified, was a cycle of debt they couldn’t break, no matter how much they prostituted themselves.
Norris always kept half and often took part of the women’s share to pay for hairdos, pedicures and other living expenses, they said. The highest-earning woman could sleep in a special bedroom called “Queen’s Palace.” A list on the wall spelled out amenities such as “$200 off fines,” “day off” and “private TV.” The women said “the queen” only had to have sex with one man: Norris.
The women say Norris — known for calling his fists “The Pork Chop” and “The Biscuit Cutter” in Toughman matches — made clear that he would use violence if necessary.
In this court document, allegations are made that Norris would celebrate his students’ promotions to higher ranks within his slave order with “pinning� ceremonies.
“The ceremony involved Norris bracing a victim’s back and then pushing the pin, without backing, through her shirt and into her skin.�
However…
Norris’ next-door neighbors presented a dramatically different picture of what went on at Norris’ home.
Cindy England testified that she saw the women come and go as they pleased. She invited some over to swim in her pool. As time went on, she said, the women lost weight and their self-esteem grew. None seemed unhappy, looked abused or told her they wanted out of Norris’ grasp, she said.
England’s husband, John, testified that he went to the women’s wrestling matches at Norris’ house. “They were getting better every week,” he said.
