Lakewood Man Charged With Sexual Exploitation, Animal Cruelty

LAKEWOOD, CO — A former Clear Creek County middle school teacher has been charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of cruelty to animals, officials said.

Justin Paul Manter, 25, was arrested Thursday in connection with the charges, the Jeffco DA's office said.

Details about the investigation have not been released; however, the Clear Creek School District said detectives have not notified the district about any connection to its students.

In a letter sent to parents, the district said it has "no evidence that students experienced anything less than professional behavior and interactions from Mr. Manter."

The district acknowledged that students may be emotionally impacted by the news of the charges, and local counseling services are being offered to all of Manter's former students, officials said.

Manter's preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 14.