News Summary
Jeffery Cahoon, a 34-year-old man, was arrested for disorderly conduct outside a women’s restroom at a Starbucks in Providence, raising public safety concerns. Eyewitnesses reported suspicious behavior, leading to his apprehension by police. Cahoon allegedly used a cellphone to record a woman while she was in the bathroom. As an employee of the state, his actions have sparked discussions about privacy and safety in public areas. He now faces charges and a no-trespass order preventing him from returning to the site.
Providence, Rhode Island – East Providence Man Arrested for Disorderly Conduct
A 34-year-old man named Jeffery Cahoon was arrested on September 16, 2023, for allegedly exhibiting suspicious behavior outside the women’s restroom at a Starbucks located at 30 Chestnut Street in Providence, Rhode Island. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding public safety and privacy in restroom facilities.
The Providence Police Department responded promptly to reports concerning Cahoon’s conduct. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the man was positioned near the women’s bathroom in a manner suggestive of recording activities. This led to his immediate apprehension by law enforcement officials.
Upon investigation, Cahoon was found to be in possession of a cellphone, which court documents indicate was allegedly used to record a woman while she was in the bathroom. Such actions not only constitute a violation of privacy but also contribute to a growing concern about unauthorized recording in public restrooms.
Further complicating the case, it was confirmed by a police official that Cahoon is an employee of the state of Rhode Island, specifically serving as a sheriff. This revelation raises additional questions regarding appropriate behavior and professional conduct in his position.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
As a result of the incident, Jeffery Cahoon has been charged with disorderly conduct. During his arraignment, a no-trespass order was issued against him, prohibiting him from entering the Starbucks location involved in the incident. He was granted bail set at $1,000, allowing him temporary release until further legal proceedings.
Background Context
Incidents like this highlight the ongoing issues of privacy and safety in public spaces. With technology advancing rapidly, concerns about individuals using devices to invade the privacy of others have become more prevalent. The situation at Starbucks serves as an alarming example of how public restrooms can become locations of potential exploitation.
The case is part of a broader national dialogue surrounding surveillance and privacy rights, particularly concerning vulnerable environments such as bathrooms. Although the majority of public facilities remain safe for patrons, instances of misconduct can lead to lasting fears and affect how individuals utilize these spaces.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of vigilance amongst the public in reporting suspicious activity. Law enforcement encourages individuals who witness inappropriate behavior to contact the police immediately to ensure swift intervention and to help mitigate potential risks.
The consequences for Cahoon are yet to be fully realized as he awaits further court appearances related to the indictment. The potential ramifications of this case may lead to more serious legal repercussions depending on how the situation develops in court.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC 6 News
- Turn to 10 News
- GoLocalProv
- Providence Journal
- GoLocalProv
- Wikipedia: Privacy
- Google Search: public restroom privacy
- Google Scholar: technology and privacy rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fundamental rights
- Google News: privacy safety public spaces

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.