The city of Salem has begun the process to terminate local Police Officer Brian Butler, also the husband to the Salem Police chief, on grounds of misconduct while on duty, according to a statement released by Mayor Kim Driscoll.

"While the incident is still under review, there is no doubt that this is a serious issue involving his conduct," said Driscoll. "In light of the circumstances, we expect to immediately commence termination proceedings, pursuant to civil service statutes."

Driscoll's annoncment came Wednesday afternoon, hours after Butler, 56, of Salem, was arraigned in Salem District Court on rape and sexual assault and battery charges in connection with an alleged incident that took place in the local police department on Halloween, according to Carrie Kimball Monahan, director of communications in the Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s office.

At the arraignment Wednesday, Judge Robert Brennan set bail at $10,000 and ordered the defendant to surrender his firearms and to have no contact with the victim, a 28-year-old man, said Kimball Monahan.

“The defendant is accused of touching the victim’s genital area while the victim was making a phone call,” said Kimball Monahan. “He is also accused of performing oral sex upon the victim in a broom closet without his consent.”

Prosecutors said the alleged victim was being held in protective custody after he was accused of flooding a hotel room on Halloween. On Nov. 5, the victim came to the police department and filed a complaint, alleging that an officer, later identified as Butler, sexually assaulted him. Officers looked over footage captured by police-headquarter cameras that, they allege, corroborated the victim’s allegations, according to court documents.

“Like many in our community, I am surprised and deeply disappointed by the allegations made against Officer Brian Butler,” said Driscoll in her statement, released on the heels of Butler’s arraignment. “I also want to express my concern and compassion for the young man who came forward with this report.”

Driscoll thanked and acknowledged officers whom she said promptly and professionally handled the situation.

“We stand united as a community in support of our Police and know that in critical times like this, the men and women of our Salem Police Department will stand strong and continue to work hard [at] keeping our community safe,” said Driscoll, who went on to provide the department’s chief, Mary Butler, affirmation.

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

On Facebook, the police department posted a letter from Mary Butler to the Salem community.

"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," Mary Butler wrote. “Even though I am taking some time to deal with personal matters related to this, I continue to be fully committed to all the men and women of the Salem Police Department.”

Attorney Randy Chapman is representing Brian Butler, who is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Dec. 15.