By Kristine Thomas
Silverton Health President/CEO Rick Cagen is on a leave of absence after being arrested on chargss of one count of public indecency on May 14 in Woodburn.
Silverton Health Governing Board Chair Gayle Goschie said in a press release Cagen is on a “mutually agreed upon leave of absence until his previously determined retirement date of July 1.”
In April, Cagen announced he would retire July 1. Sarah Fronza was named Silverton Health interim CEO. With Cagen’s leave of absence, Fronza takes over responsibilities of working with the board and continuing the negotiations with Legacy Health.
On March 11, the Silverton Health Board voted to begin formal discussions with Legacy Health about partnering. Cagen was responsible for working on the letter of intent with Legacy.
Silverton Health Communications and Marketing Director Rita Baiocco Kester said she cannot disclose details of Cagen’s leave of absence. She also declined to comment on Cagen’s arrest.
According to a press release from the Woodburn Police Department, a Woodburn police officer responded to a 9:35 a.m. May 14 report that a man was masturbating inside his car in the Bi-Mart parking lot, 1550 Mount Hood Ave., which is near the Woodburn Silverton Health complex.
A male witness confronted the suspect and the suspect left the scene. The witness provided the police officer with a description of the vehicle and the license plate number. Police located the vehicle and found it to be owned by Richard Cagen, 64, of Portland. Police interviewed Cagen at his place of employment, Woodburn Health Center, and arrested him on allegations of one count of public indecency. Cagen was transported to Marion County Jail. A $500 bail was posted.
Woodburn Communications Coordinator Jason Horton said Cagen has a court hearing at 9:30 a.m. June 11 in the Court Annex.
