08/19/08 Bend
 
The former public relations and communications director for Cascade Healthcare Community was arrested for theft after allegedly using a credit card that belongs to Cascade Healthcare.  Cascade Healthcare issued a statement Tuesday saying:
 
“After Shelly Brooks began working for Cascade Healthcare Community, we became aware of potential concerns. We conducted an internal investigation and reported our findings to the Deschutes Co. District Attorney’s office.  Because it is now in their hands, any statement about this matter should come from that office. Shelly Brooks no longer works for Cascade Healthcare Community.
 
In general, Cascade Healthcare Community takes any inappropriate activity by members of its staff seriously. As a community nonprofit health system, we believe it is our duty to protect our assets for the benefit of our patients.”
 
-Katy Vitcovich, senior vice president of human resources
 
Brooks' last day of employment was June 16th.  She was arrested on August 3. The District Attorney has not formally filed charges.  Brooks is out of jail on bond and is expected to appear in court next week.