Rhode Island sheriff arrested after alleged JWU restroom incident

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island deputy sheriff has been charged after police received a report of suspicious activity on the Johnson & Wales University Downcity campus.

Jeffrey P. Cahoon, 34, of East Providence, was arraigned Wednesday in Providence District Court on a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

According to court filings, Cahoon allegedly tried to photograph a woman inside the women’s restroom at the Starbucks on Chestnut and Pine streets on September 15.

Providence police said they were notified the following day after reports of “suspicious activity,” including witness accounts that Cahoon was positioned outside the restroom in a way that suggested he was attempting to record.

After JWU’s Campus Safety & Security was notified they immediately contacted the Providence police and support services were offered to the student involved. In a statement, Johnson & Wales emphasized:

“At Johnson & Wales University, the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority,” the statement said. “As an ongoing investigation, the university cannot comment and provides full cooperation and support to the Providence Police Department.”

A not-guilty plea was entered and he was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. He was also issued a no-trespass order for the Starbucks where the incident took place.

He is scheduled to return to court on October 8.

Rhode Island sheriff arrested.