Keith Hovan has been ousted as the CEO of Southcoast Health, according to an email sent to employees on Jan. 28. Southcoast Health is the parent company of Wareham’s Tobey Hospital. 

The Rochester resident was on a leave of absence after an alleged November domestic violence incident. 

Although charges from that incident were dropped after the victim declined to testify, Hovan faced the potential of further legal trouble due to his alleged possession of 83 illegal high-capacity magazines, located among a cache of legal weapons and ammunition that was seized by police after the domestic violence incident.

In the email sent to Southcoast Health employees, the nonprofit’s Board of Trustees announced that they had “determined it is in the best interest of Southcoast Health for Keith Hovan not to return as the President and CEO of Southcoast Health.” 

The email went on to announce that Dr. Ray Kruger will continue to serve as Acting President and CEO. Kruger has worked for Southcoast Health as a surgeon for 34 years. 

The email thanked Hovan for his “past service.”

It is unclear whether Hovan will face charges for the illegal ammunition found in his home. The decision about whether or not Hovan should be charged is up to the Wareham Clerk Magistrate, and will be made in a “show cause” hearing that is closed to the public. 

It is unclear whether or not that hearing has taken place yet.