Assault Charge Dismissed for Southcoast Health CEO

WAREHAM — The assault charge against Southcoast Health CEO Keith Hovan has been dismissed after a brief bench trial Monday morning.

Hovan was charged with assault and battery after an incident in which police were called out to a domestic dispute at his Rochester home in November.

The police report detailed how officers responded to Hovan's house on Mary's Pond Road on Nov. 6 to find Hovan with a minor injury to his arm and the alleged victim inside with an injury to the face.

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Officers said the residents told them that the dispute began over what television show to watch and later escalated.

Hovan was arrested and charged with domestic assault and battery.

More than 40 firearms and ammunition were confiscated from his home the following morning, according to the police report.

The report also noted that the alleged victim did not want to take a protective order against Hovan.

Hovan's case was dismissed at Wareham District Court after a bench trial, in which a single judge hears and decides the case instead of a jury.

He is currently on a leave of absence from his role at Southcoast Health.