BY PEPPER FISHER
Sequim – A former Sequim police officer charged with rape was scheduled for a status hearing in Superior Court Friday morning.
28-year-old Christian J. Whitaker’s trial is set to begin on January 12, is facing charges of Rape in the second degree and Voyeurism in the first degree stemming from an incident that occurred on the night of July 1, 2024, through the following morning.
Jefferson County Prosecutors are handling the case.
Investigators say that the alleged victim, who used to be in a relationship with Whitaker, went to his house and drank 2-4 shots of vodka before passing out until the following morning. She told investigators that she believes she had been drugged and sexually assaulted while at Whitaker’s residence.
Additionally, based on a review of Whitaker’s phone records, Whitaker sent photographs and a video of the two engaged in sex to a friend that he admitted to investigators the victim did not consent to.
The woman told investigators the last time she remembers seeing the time on wall clock was 8:49 PM. She woke up at 6:52 AM the following morning, completely disoriented and worried about not getting home to her children. She said she drove herself home in what she thought was a burst of adrenalin and became violently sick, eventually calling 911 and being transported to Olympic Medical Center.
A probable cause statement says OMC tested the woman’s urine but reported that type of testing would not show any date rape drugs and OMC only had a limited ability to test for those types of drugs.
Sequim Police Chief Mike Hill told KONP that when Whitaker’s alleged conduct came to light, all police powers were revoked, and his badge, police identification, duty weapon, assigned vehicle and equipment were secured.
Hill emphasized that the allegations are unrelated to Whitaker’s responsibilities with the City of Sequim and did not occur within city limits or while he was acting in an official capacity. Whitaker resigned effective 8/27/25 and is no longer employed by the City of Sequim.
Hill said the independent investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is to avoid any conflict of interest.
The State of Washington has charged Whitaker with Rape in the 2nd Degree, Voyeurism in the 1st Degree, and Disclosing Intimate Images. His trial is set to begin on January 12.
A separate, internal administrative review by Sequim PD began shortly after the completion of the criminal investigation, which was on 8/21/25, and is in progress.