James Whitman

BUTLER — On Wednesday, Jan. 22, detectives from the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post concluded a criminal investigation of a local massage business in Butler, which resulted in the owner being arrested on a charge of rape.

James Whitman, 57, Butler, is the owner and massage therapist for Butler Creative Touch Massage. Whitman is charged with rape, a level 3 felony.

According to a press release from the Indiana State Police, an investigation began at Butler Creative Touch Massage after a woman made an allegation of non-consensual sexual activity when she was receiving a massage earlier this month. During the investigation, another woman came forward to provide information that she experienced a similar event at Butler Creative Touch Massage two years prior.

Detectives conducted an interview with Whitman. The investigation showed that Whitman has practiced massage therapy for over 10 years in Butler. He is not licensed through the state of Indiana but holds a certificate from the Center for Vital Living School of Massage Therapy.

Results of the investigation were turned over to the DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office for review, who in turn was then able to secure an arrest warrant for Whitman. Whitman was taken into custody by ISP detectives without incident. He was taken to the DeKalb County Jail, where he was booked into custody and awaits an initial hearing.

The Indiana State Police was assisted in this investigation by the Auburn Police Department, Butler Police Department and the DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office.