An Arvada man will now spend at least eight years in prison for sexually  assaulting at-risk victims while working as a caretaker. 

First Judicial District Judge Diego Hunt sentenced 72-year-old Eugene “Gene” Gillespie to eight years to life in prison on Wednesday on charges of sexual assault — at-risk person. 

Police began investigating Gillespie in February 2023 following an alleged sexual assault at a day program for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, according to the Arvada Police Department. 

Gillespie had been employed as a “volunteer caregiver to individuals with disabilities” since 1992 and has interacted with the community across the metro area in at least three different volunteer programs, according to a press release from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The volunteers or minimum-wage workers connected with these programs work to drive, supervise and spend time with adult clients.

The defendant was arrested on April 6, 2023 and pleaded guilty to the charge on Feb. 9. 

During his plea, the defendant admitted to sexually assaulting one victim multiple times around 2013 during overnight trips and day visits. He also admitted to sexually assaulting a second victim multiple times around 2022 and 2023.

During the sentencing, prosecutors argued for a “lengthy” prison sentence due to the defendant’s history of grooming, according to the press release.

“The people feel that it is critical for the Court to be aware of the magnitude of the opportunity of abuse and the complete shattering of trust that his actions have had on the victims, their families, and the IDD community at large,” Deputy District Attorney Sarah Masterson said during the sentencing.

Two victims stated in letters to the court that Gillespie scared them into not telling anyone about the assaults. 

Prosecutors also received “numerous calls” that Gillespie attended a bowling event with individuals with disabilities while out on bond in this case, according to the release.

While addressing the court, Gillespie called himself a monster.

“I’ve hurt so many people,” he said.