Port Richey mayor, girlfriend arrested for domestic battery

PORT RICHEY (FOX 13) - Port Richey Mayor Dale Massad has been arrested on charges of domestic battery stemming from an argument Thursday. 

“Not something you really want to see from a local politician,” said resident Jonathan Stevenson.

According to a report filed by the Pasco Sheriff’s office, Massad shoved his live-in girlfriend, Caj Joseph during an argument. 

A second report says during that same dispute, Joseph punched Massad in the back. 

She was charged with battery on a person 65 or older. The Mayor was charged with domestic battery. 

Both went to jail.  

According to the report from this incident, Massad is denying the allegations. 

Reached by phone Friday, he told FOX 13 “Fake news is alive and well in Port Richey,” before hanging up.

Massad has been mayor of Port Richey since 2015.

“He's supposed to be the role model for everyone if he is inclined to that sort of behavior what does that say about the community,” said Michael Blazer, a Port Richey resident.

Joseph, meanwhile, is no stranger to law enforcement. Records show she’s been arrested more than a dozen times.