WAREHAM — Southcoast Health CEO and President Keith Hovan will be going up before a judge on assault and battery charges on Dec. 20, after a trial date was set today in Wareham District Court.

Hovan waived his right to a trial by jury, opting instead for a bench trial — or a trial that is decided by a judge alone.

The Rochester resident is currently on a leave of absence while he deals with the charge stemming from a domestic incident at his home earlier this month.

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On Nov. 6, Rochester police were called to a reported domestic disturbance at Hovan's home at Mary's Pond Road just before 10:30 p.m., according to police reports.

Officers said they arrived to find Hovan covered in what smelled like alcohol and with a minor injury to his arm.

The alleged victim was inside the home with an injury to the face under her eye and some evidence of bleeding.

Emergency medical services were called to the home to check the woman.

In accordance with WBSM policy, the alleged victim will not be identified.

Police said in the report that the residents told them the dispute began over a television show and later escalated.

Hovan was arrested and charged with domestic assault and battery, with bail set at $240.

He made bail and was released at 6 a.m. Sunday.

The alleged victim did not take a protective order against Hovan.

But his license to carry firearms was revoked, and more than 40 firearms were confiscated from his home.

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