Kenneth DeGiorgio, the CEO of title insurance, settlement services, and other real estate-related services firm First American Financial Corp., is facing federal charges after allegedly assaulting a fellow passenger during a confrontation aboard a cruise ship "on or about March 31, 2025," according to the San Juan, Puerto Rico office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to a U.S. government release on the matter, the incident occurred while the cruise ship was sailing in international waters on its way to San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to Acting Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office.
“Violent crimes committed aboard cruise ships fall under federal jurisdiction and we take them very seriously,” Kowalski stated in the release. “If you break the law at sea, expect to face consequences on land.”
DeGiorgio has been charged under Title 18, United States Code, Section 113(a)(4), for assault within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States — a federal offense. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(4) addresses assaults within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, punishing "assault by striking, beating, or wounding" with a fine or imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
The alleged altercation began when the DeGiorgio’s wife told the other man involved to put on his shoes while dancing at one of the ship’s bars, according to reporting by The New York Times. The man allegedly responded with a "crude remark" and an obscene gesture.
The ship's surveillance footage reportedly then showed DeGiorgio approaching the man, grabbing him by the throat, and forcing him to the floor, according to the Times and multiple other news outlets. The ship’s security team intervened and confined DeGiorgio to his cabin until the vessel docked in San Juan the next day. Cruise authorities then reported the assault to the FBI.
The FBI’s San Juan Field Office is leading the investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
The office notes that a criminal complaint — which is what this is at this point — is only an allegation, and does not prove guilt. All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in court, and the U.S. government must establish guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."
