Salem Officer Accused of Sexually Assaulting Man at Police Station

SALEM, MA — A Salem police officer and husband of Salem Police Chief Mary Butler was arraigned Wednesday on accusations of raping a man while the man was held in protective custody.

Judge Robert Brennan ordered Brian Butler, 56, of Salem held on $10,000 bail on charges of rape and indecent assault in Salem District Court, according to Essex County District Attorney spokeswoman Carrie Kimball-Monahan. Butler is accused of touching a male victim's genitals while the victim was making a phone call and performing oral sex on the victim in a broom closet at the police station on Halloween.

In a statement released Wednesday, Mayor Kimberly Driscoll indicated the city's plans to "commence termination proceedings, pursuant to civil service statutes."

“Like many in our community, I am surprised and deeply disappointed by the allegations made against Officer Brian Butler," Driscoll said in a statement. "While the incident is still under review, there is no doubt that this is a serious issue involving his conduct as a police officer while on duty."

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Driscoll also expressed her continued confidence in Chief Mary Butler.

“Lastly, I want to be clear that I have the utmost respect and confidence in Chief Mary Butler," stated Driscoll. "I fully expect that she is capable of leading the department with the same high level of integrity and commitment she has demonstrated since her appointment and throughout her career."

Butler was also ordered to surrender his firearms and have no contact with the victim. In a letter to her officers, Chief Butler indicated that she is taking time to deal with the matter.

"As Chief of this Department, it saddens me greatly that the alleged actions of one of our own is going to place another spotlight on the profession and on all of you, which is incredibly undeserved," Butler wrote to the officers. "Policing at this time is difficult enough, with scrutiny on our actions, policies and procedures, and our relationship with our community, without having one more thing that is burdensome to you and our mission."

Editor's Note: The information in this story does not indicate a conviction.

According to reports from the Boston Globe and the Salem News citing court documents, police took the man into protective custody after finding him soaking wet because of a flood at his motel room.

The reports further indicate that Butler allegedly placed his hand around the victim's hip in a suggestive manner and asked if he could touch the man's genitals.

The victim also told investigators that Butler had allegedly brought him into a broom closet and asked to perform oral sex on him. According to the reports, the man told investigators he obliged to the contact out of fear because he was in custody.

The Globe's report indicates that Butler's attorney argues that "the allegations raise questions about whether the man consented to the encounter."

Butler was placed on leave on the same day that the man reported the allegations, Nov. 5. Salem police referred the matter to state police detectives and excused Capt. Fred Ryan, Butler's cousin, from the investigation, reports the Globe.

The Salem News report indicates that Butler is a 24-year member of the Salem Police Department and is well-liked among colleagues and the public.

Chief Mary Butler did not comment on the issue further in her letter to officers.

“I want to acknowledge the prompt and professional manner in which officers of the Police Department have handled these circumstances and thank them for their continued upright service to the residents of Salem," stated Driscoll."We stand united as a community in support of our Police Department and know that in critical times like this, the men and women of the Salem Police Department will stand strong and continue to work hard keeping our community safe."

A probable cause hearing is set for Dec. 15.

Image via the Salem Police Department.