News Summary
Jeffrey Cahoon, a Rhode Island sheriff, has been charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly recording a woman in a women’s restroom at a Starbucks on a university campus. The incident occurred on September 16, and Cahoon has pleaded not guilty while on paid leave from his position. The community is expressing concern for safety following this troubling event.
Providence, Rhode Island – A Rhode Island sheriff has been charged with disorderly conduct following allegations that he recorded a woman in the women’s restroom of a Starbucks located on the Johnson & Wales University campus. Jeffrey Cahoon, 34, who resides in East Providence, is accused of capturing video footage of the unidentified woman inappropriately during an incident that reportedly took place on September 16, 2023.
Witnesses at the Starbucks observed Cahoon near the entrance of the women’s restroom in a manner that suggested he was engaged in recording activities. The incident prompted a swift response from the Providence police, who confirmed that Cahoon was arrested after receiving a report of suspicious behavior. Following the arrest, Cahoon appeared in district court on a Wednesday and entered a plea of not guilty to the disorderly conduct charge. He has since been released on a $1,000 bail and has been issued a no-trespass order which prohibits him from returning to the Starbucks location.
Cahoon is currently on paid administrative leave as an investigation into the matter continues. His position as a deputy sheriff, which he has held since 2018, is under scrutiny given the nature of the allegations. As details surrounding the investigation remain limited, members of the Johnson & Wales University community have expressed their shock and concern regarding the incident.
Students and faculty members within the Johnson & Wales community are reportedly feeling uneasy and have vowed to be more vigilant about their personal safety following the incident. The well-frequented Starbucks on campus is often busy with students, leading to heightened feelings of discomfort among those who use the facility. Lt. Col. Robert Creamer of the Rhode Island State Police indicated that further details about the ongoing investigation would not be available immediately.
Responses from neighbors have also reflected surprise and disappointment regarding Cahoon’s alleged actions, particularly given his position of authority and public trust. The lack of a voyeurism charge has sparked conversation among legal analysts, who noted that such a charge would depend on the specific content captured in any recording that may have been made by Cahoon during the incident.
Following the incident, Johnson & Wales University released a statement, emphasizing that the safety of its students remains their highest priority. The university community awaits further developments, as Cahoon is scheduled to return to court next month to address the disorderly conduct charge.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Turn to 10
- Patch
- GoLocal Prov
- GoLocal Prov
- Wikipedia: Surveillance
- Google Search: Johnson and Wales University
- Google Scholar: Disorderly Conduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Harassment
- Google News: Sheriff Arrest Providence RI
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
