Gage attempts suicide in jail

Steven Michael Gage, faced with 45 years behind bars for sexually abusing teenage girls under his care, attempted suicide in jail on Sunday, March 11, according to Deschutes County Jail reports.

Deputies responded to a report of a medical emergency in the jail at 6:17 a.m. They found Gage breathing but unconscious after he had apparently tried to hang himself with strips torn from one of his blankets.

Deputies and Emergency Medical Technicians transported Gage to St. Charles Medical Center, where he was treated in the emergency room. At about 9:30 a.m. he was returned to the jail.

Gage suffered no major injuries and "is doing well at this time," according to jail officials.

Gage pleaded guilty to 27 counts of theft, criminal mistreatment and sex abuse connected with his operation of Royal Haven Equestrian Center for Girls near Sisters. He was arrested in June, 2000, after a six month investigation. Gage was sentenced on January 31.