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(Salem Police Department / Facebook)

An officer who served more than two decades on the force has resigned as he prepares to face sexual assault charges stemming from an alleged incident involving a man held at the police station.

A man was into custody by the Salem Police Department on Halloween after allegedly becoming intoxicated and damaging his rented room at the Clipper Ship Inn.

In police documents reviewed by the Boston Herald, the man said he was inappropriately touched by Salem patrolman Brian Butler and later raped in a broom closet within the police station.

Butler has served with the Salem Police Department for 24 years. His wife, Mary Butler, is the chief of police.

He was arrested by Massachusetts State Police on Nov. 8 and arraigned the following day in Salem District Court. Two days later, he resigned City Solicitor Beth Rennard told the Salem News.

Following her husband's arrest, the chief published a statement on the department's Facebook page. She wrote, "Though I will not get into any discussions about the incident, know that in all matters, regardless of who is involved, we must always put our integrity and the service to the public above all as it reflects on the solid reputation this Department has worked so hard to build and maintain."

She returned to duty, following vacation time off, Tuesday.

"She's back and we're glad to have her," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll told the Salem News.