PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A trial date has been set for former Port Richey mayor Dale Massad, on conspiracy charges and the use of a 2-way device.
During a pretrial hearing Friday morning, Massad waived his right to a speedy trial for other charges, including attempted homicide charges and practicing medicine without a license.
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Massad was arrested in February on charges of practicing medicine without a license. During his arrest, Pasco County deputies say Massad shot at them.
Following his arrest, a string of mayoral issues ensued for the city.
The city's acting mayor, Terrence Rowe, was arrested less than a month later, accused of conspiring to interfere with an active criminal investigation.
On that same day, Massad was arrested again on charges related to trying to intimidate or retaliate against Port Richey police.
Massad will go to trial starting June 24 on those charges.
In April, residents started a petition to recall suspended acting mayor Rowe. That motion has not been decided on.
The city council has been in the process of searching for a third person to fill the mayoral seat. On April 15, the city council voted Councilman William Dittmer into the position of vice mayor. Dittmer will hold the position for one year and serve as acting mayor until residents elect a new mayor in June.