More Victims Come Forward Against Tibbetts

By Patrick Lynn
More victims have approached law enforcement accusing one downtown businessman sexual assault.
Steven Tibbetts, who runs Energy Café, a downtown Internet café, was arrested March 6 after being accused of sexually assaulting an 18 year-old woman in the Town of Linwood. Tibbetts initially faced charges of 2nd degree sexual assault/use of force after the woman accused Tibbets of drugging and assaulting her.
Now, he faces additional charges after more women came forward to accuse Tibbetts of drugging and assaulting them.
Tibbetts was formally charged Monday with sexual assault of an unconscious victim and second-degree sexual assault through the use of force in connection. The number of victims who have come forward is not currently known.
Tibbetts has been released on bond and is under orders to avoid contact with minors. A request by Tibbetts’ defense attorney to lift that restriction so Tibbetts could continue to run his business was denied.
Police Chief Kevin Ruder said his department has received several complaints about suspicious after-hours activity at the Internet café prior to Tibbetts’ arrest, and several complaints following the arrest.