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Actor Denied Bail On Rape Charge

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By LATISHA R. GRAY of The Sarasota-Herald Tribune

Published: September 15, 2007

Joseph Arsenault

SARASOTA - A judge on Friday denied bail for a 48-year-old actor accused of drugging and raping a woman in his Bayfront home earlier this week.

Attorney Catherine Sloane said she was disappointed in the judge's decision to keep her client, Joseph S. Arsenault, in jail.

Sloane said there is evidence that may suggest that the sex was consensual and she plans to file an emergency bond hearing Monday morning.

Arsenault is charged with sexual assault, possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine.

"The law provides a bond," Sloane said. "It's not a capital case and it's not a violation of parole. He is entitled to a bond as a matter of law."

Arsenault was arrested early Thursday after a 33-year-old woman claimed he forced her to snort heroin and perform sexual acts while in a drug-induced stupor.

The woman met Arsenault for drinks at the Ritz-Carlton on Tuesday after corresponding on the popular dating Web site Match.com.

She said a waitress brought the drinks and she felt funny after a few sips. She agreed to follow Arsenault back to his home, a report stated.

While at his Harbor Drive home, the woman said she "lost time" and woke up on Arsenault's bed in black lingerie that was not hers, surrounded by pornographic pictures, the report stated.

"She voluntarily went to the house," Sloane said. "There are photographs that may show it was consensual sex."

In 1999, two woman accused Arsenault of a similar crime in California. That case was dismissed after one woman recanted her statements and the second refused to testify, said a former LAPD detective.

Authorities said there maybe other victims in Miami, Kentucky and California. Arsenault was arrested after detectives searched his home and reportedly found drugs.

Arsenault has appeared in several low-budget Hollywood movies, including a role as Jimmy the Fish in "Orgazmo."

He also appeared in "Play It to the Bone," starring Antonio Banderas and Woody Harrelson.

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