According to a request for a restraining order filed in Monterey County Superior Court on Sept. 1, Monterey mayoral candidate Vince Malfitano harassed a Seaside woman at her workplace.
In her request, Jody Compagno Crossman states that she is an acquaintance of the mayoral candidate and is seeking protection because she is “afraid of retaliation and harm.” She is seeking a restraining order mandating that Malfitano stay 100 yards away from her, her vehicle, home and workplace, where the harassment allegedly occurred.
Compagno Crossman’s police statement chronicles what she calls two “disturbing verbal encounters” with Malfitano. In the first incident, the statement outlines how Compagno Crossman, her boyfriend and her sister met with Malfitano at the Starbucks located at the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey to discuss “Malfitano’s involvement in the management of our family LLC and properties.” Compagno Crossman states that she and her sister began to question Malfitano about “his qualifications, management experience, authority and proposed management responsibilities."
“When we questioned him on these matters, I personally observed Mr. Malfitano become verbally aggressive, hostile and confrontational toward us,” the statement reads. “In my recollection, this was not simply a disagreement or forceful business discussion. I experienced his manner of speaking and behavior as intimidating and verbally abusive.”
Following the Starbucks meeting, Compagno Crossman’s statement to the police states that Malfitano entered her place of work, Compagno’s Deli at approximately 2:30pm on Saturday, Aug. 22. He arrived with one other person, and there were roughly 20 customers present, according to her statement.
Compagno Crossman stated that upon seeing her, Malfitano “became angry and began yelling at her in the crowded business.” According to her account, Compagno Crossman recalled Malfitano saying, “You piece of shit,” and “I am going to sue you for defamation,” and “Everyone knows it’s you,” and that he repeatedly called her “a fucking bitch.” She states that Malfitano moved toward her while yelling but was subsequently calmed down by his companion before leaving.
UPDATE (following the Sept. 22 hearing): Compagno Crossman's request for a temporary restraining order was denied. At a hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 22 in Monterey County Superior Court, Malfitano's attorney, Tracy Henderson, requested a continuance on the basis that a witness was traveling out of state. That request was granted by Judge Ian A. Rivamonte. The next hearing, when the parties will be invited to present witnesses, is scheduled to take place on Oct. 20, 2026.
Malfitano did not respond to the Weekly's interview requests.
(2) comments
Restraining orders are a serious matter and anyone contemplating requesting one should consider that if the request is denied, the person petitioning the Court for the order subjects themself to any financial liability for costs such as attorney's fees if the order is not granted.
Though Aric’s article is very accurate. I really wish Aric Sleeper would have contacted me as he claimed he tried to. He did not contact me by text, phone or email. I am willing to speak with him at anytime because I feel the truth regarding Vince Malfitano’s character, documented shady past, and the need for the voters to determine for themselves his ability and competency to be the Mayor of Monterey. He is not qualified
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