BJ Whitmer receives probation, house arrest on domestic violence charges

BJ Whitmer has been sentenced on charges relating to his arrest last year. 

Whitmer was arrested on June 4, 2023, and charged with second-degree burglary and first-degree strangulation. He is alleged to have entered a former girlfriend’s home, waited for her to return, and then assaulted her. 

“Mr. Whitmer grabbed her by the throat and threw her down on the couch, where he began strangling her,” the police report reads. The victim would later tell media she was “fighting for her life” during the assault. 

Whitmer took an Alford plea, meaning he acknowledges there is enough evidence to convict him but he still maintains his innocence. It also means he can have the felony expunged from his record after five years. He has been sentenced to five years probation and 120 days of house arrest. 

News of his sentence was posted to X by journalist B.J Bethel: 

Former AEW producer, ROH wrestler B.J. Whitmer received five years probation and 120-day home incarceration in connection the strangulation and criminal trespass charge he faced involving his ex-girlfriend last summer.

Whitmer took an Alford plea, which means he maintains his innocence but acknowledges there’s enough evidence he could face a possible conviction in a jury trial. He can have the felony expunged from his record in 5 years.

The prosecution on why an Alford plea was offered to Whitmer. “During the pendency of this case the Commonwealth was provided with a significant amount of reciprocal discovery. Due to this discovery and other events the Commonwealth was required to reevaluate its position.”

AEW released Whitmer after news of his arrest. They released the following statement to media on June 12, 2023:

B.J. Whitmer has been terminated following his arrest on domestic violence charges. While talent and staff are ultimately responsible for their own personal actions, this behavior is intolerable within AEW. AEW has reached out to offer support to those impacted by his behavior.