NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – A housing inspector for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been arrested and charged with official misconduct following an investigation into a sexual battery allegation. According to New Port Richey Police, 71-year old Joseph Gioielli, who was conducting a routine inspection, is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a tenant after initially failing the apartment.
The New Port Richey Police Department launched an investigation in June 2025 after receiving a report of sexual battery at an apartment complex near U.S. Highway 19. According to detectives, Gioielli was on duty and had just completed an inspection of the victim’s unit, which did not pass. While he initially left the apartment, investigators say he returned a short time later and engaged in sexual acts with the victim.
After a thorough investigation, detectives gathered enough evidence to formally charge Gioielli with Official Misconduct by a Public Servant, a violation of Florida Statute 838.022(1)(c)…