Mayor who allegedly shot at deputies to be investigated for fraud

PORT RICHEY — Port Richey Mayor Dale Massad, 68, was apprehended Feb. 21 when Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant at his home in connection with an alleged medical fraud case. 

He allegedly shot multiple rounds at deputies before being taken into custody, according to a press release. No injuries were reported.

In light of Massad's arrest on charges of practicing medicine without a license, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis directed his fraud detectives to investigate any alleged insurance fraud relating to Massad, the statement adds. 

“As a result of the recent findings surrounding Mayor Massad’s arrest, I have directed my office to investigate whether or not he fraudulently profited from insurance policies while practicing medicine without a license," Patronis says in the statement. "As this case remains ongoing, we ask members of the community to come forward with any information they may have surrounding this case.”