Erie man reaches deal in child sexual assault case

An Erie man accused of sexually abusing four girls in his home has agreed to a plea deal.

On Monday, 49-year-old Justin Whittaker pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children. Four counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 15 by a person of trust were dropped.

Whittaker’s sentencing is scheduled for August 7. He is currently free on $100,000 bail.

According to a press release from the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, police believe Whittaker had sexual contact with several children between 2009 and 2017 while they visited his home on Westin Drive in Erie.

According to an affidavit, Whittaker knew the children. At least one victim named in the affidavit was only seven years old at the time of the attack.

Erie Police first became aware of the allegations when someone reported them to a school security officer.

In March 2023, prosecutors expressed concern that there were more victims, but no further charges have been filed against Whittaker since March.