Left, Steven Tibbetts remains in the Portage County Jail after being accused of sexual assault.

By Brandi Makuski

The owner of Energy Café has been arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting at least one person.

Stevens Tibbetts, 32, was arrested on charges of 2nd degree sexual assault/use of force from a West River Drive residence at 11:14 PM on March 6. According to Portage County Chief Deputy Dan Kontos, the victim who came forward last week was 18 years old.

“She suspects he may have given her something, but toxicology won’t be back for a few weeks, so there are a bits of information to fill in yet,” Kontos said. He added the victim contacted the authorities immediately after the alleged assault.

A sign reading “Closed until further notice” was taped to the front door of Energy Café Monday.

Kontos also said one detective from the city’s police force aided in the search of Tibbetts’ business, located at 1201 Main Street, last week but was not immediately aware of the nature of items taken by investigators. The business was closed on Monday and phone calls remained unanswered.

According to SPPD Chief Kevin Ruder, the city’s police department has received calls from time to time reporting suspicious after- hours activity at the business, including people spending the night on the premises.

“We’ve tried to have officers patrolling that area as often as possible, but they have a basement there, and we obviously can’t keep an eye on them down there,” Ruder said.

SPPD Detective Sgt. Joe Gruber said there’s a possibility other illegal activity can be attributed to Tibbetts, and said the department is asking people to come forward.

“If anybody is aware of any of suspicious or criminal activity that has occurred involving him or his place of business, they should give us a call,” Gruber said.

Anyone with information about Tibbetts or any alleged criminal activity should call 715.346.1500.

Tibbetts remains in Portage County Jail on Monday and is expected to make his initial appearance on March 17 at 1:30 PM.