BEND, OR -- A Bend businessman accused former Governor John Kitzhaber’s fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, of theft back in 2001. It appears the charges were never prosecuted, even though they were referred to the State Justice Department. 

 

KGW 8 in Portland reports the allegations come from Bend Pine Nursery owner Fred Swisher.  He told KGW, "In 25 years, I've never had a bad check, except for her."  Swisher says Hayes came to him with a plan for him to donate trees for her to sell, and the proceeds would be split between him and an environmental charity she said she was working for.  Swisher says he gave her about a thousand trees, but she kept all the money. 

 

The allegations were reported to Bend Police, who referred the case to the Attorney General's office. It's unclear why it didn't move forward.  Most of the documents, the TV station said, have been destroyed due to the amount of time that has lapsed.