Kenneth DeGiorgio now faces a criminal assault charge following an incident aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady cruise ship, according to an FBI criminal complaint.
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What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turned into a legal nightmare for Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of title insurer First American Financial Corp.
DeGiorgio now faces a criminal assault charge following an incident aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady cruise ship, according to an FBI criminal complaint.
The altercation occurred on March 31, while the ship was approximately 70 miles west of Fort-de-France, Martinique. According to the complaint — filed on April 1 — the situation escalated after DeGiorgio’s wife, Nichol, confronted an unidentified male — referred to as “M.M.” in the complaint — who was dancing barefoot on the ship’s “On The Rocks Bar” dance floor.
“Look, we are all adults here. Can you put your shoes on?” Nichol reportedly asked. The male allegedly responded with an obscenity, calling her a derogatory name before flipping her off.
Surveillance footage then captured DeGiorgio, described as a “heavy-set” white male, standing up, approaching M.M. and grabbing him by the neck, causing him to stumble. During the scuffle, DeGiorgio also allegedly threatened to kill the male, prompting a bartender to call for security.
Following the altercation, the ship’s captain ordered DeGiorgio to be confined to his cabin until the vessel reached San Juan, Puerto Rico, the next day.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agents and task force officers launched an investigation, reviewing security footage and conducting interviews. The complaint concluded that “it was DeGiorgio who assaulted the victim.”
On April 3, Acting Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski of the FBI announced DeGiorgio’s arrest and emphasized the seriousness of crimes committed at sea.
“Violent crimes committed aboard cruise ships fall under federal jurisdiction, and we take them very seriously,” Kowalski said in a statement. “If you break the law at sea, expect to face consequences on land.”
DeGiorgio declined to comment on the matter and requested an attorney. He has since been released from jail.
A spokesperson from DeGiorgio’s legal team issued the following statement to Inman: “Mr. DeGiorgio responded to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, making her feel threatened and intimidated. Although charged with a simple misdemeanor, Mr. DeGiorgio looks forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing.”
Reflecting on the incident, Nichol expressed regret for asking the man to put his shoes on.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct that First American Financial Corp. is a title insurer.
Email Richelle Hammiel
