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House Ethics report reveals connection between Matt Gaetz and ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: House Ethics report reveals connection between Matt Gaetz and ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel GreenbergThe House Ethics Committee on Monday released a 37-page report investing former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, accusing him of paying for sex, rampant drug use, and breaking multiple state laws.
Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use
Read full article: Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug useThe House Ethics Committee’s long-awaited report into Rep. Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations of misconduct, including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican’s nomination to lead the Justice Department.
Someone accessed files said to contain damaging info about Trump AG-nominee Gaetz, lawyer says
Read full article: Someone accessed files said to contain damaging info about Trump AG-nominee Gaetz, lawyer saysAn attorney says an unauthorized person gained access to a file containing confidential testimony from women who have made allegations about former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s pick to become the next attorney general.
Ex-Florida lawmaker dismisses defamation lawsuit against Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Ex-Florida lawmaker dismisses defamation lawsuit against Joel GreenbergDeveloper and lobbyist Christopher Dorworth has dismissed a federal defamation lawsuit he filed last year against former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, Greenberg’s family, and the family’s dentistry business, court records show.
Ex-Florida lawmaker dismisses lawsuit against Joel Greenberg’s underage sex victim
Read full article: Ex-Florida lawmaker dismisses lawsuit against Joel Greenberg’s underage sex victimDeveloper, lobbyist and former state legislator Christopher Dorworth has dismissed a defamation lawsuit he filed last year against a woman who was the victim of child sex trafficking by former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, court records show.
Sentencing set for consultant convicted of bribing ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Sentencing set for consultant convicted of bribing ex-Seminole tax collector Joel GreenbergA former associate of ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg will learn how much time he'll spend in federal prison.
Associate of ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg released from prison early
Read full article: Associate of ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg released from prison earlyAn associate of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg has been released from federal prison nearly two months early after testifying at the recent trial of another Greenberg associate.
Lawyer for Joel Greenberg associate apologizes to court for trying to talk to jurors after trial
Read full article: Lawyer for Joel Greenberg associate apologizes to court for trying to talk to jurors after trialAn attorney who represented an associate of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is apologizing for talking to jurors and questioning them about their verdict shortly after they convicted his client of bribery-related charges.
Lawyer approached jurors after bribery trial tied to Seminole ex-tax collector, judge says
Read full article: Lawyer approached jurors after bribery trial tied to Seminole ex-tax collector, judge saysMinutes after a jury convicted a political consultant of paying a bribe to former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, a defense attorney improperly approached jurors outside the federal courthouse and questioned them about their verdict, according to the judge who presided over the case.
Jury convicts consultant of bribing ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Jury convicts consultant of bribing ex-Seminole tax collector Joel GreenbergA federal jury convicted Michael Shirley of paying a $6,000 kickback to former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg in 2017 in exchange for maintaining a lucrative consulting contract with the tax collector's office.
Your Florida Daily: Record ocean temperatures devastating coral, SpaceX plans Falcon Heavy launch
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Record ocean temperatures devastating coral, SpaceX plans Falcon Heavy launchScientists are now seeing the devastating effects of Florida's prolonged hot tub ocean water temperatures.
‘Middle man’ testifies about alleged bribe to ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: ‘Middle man’ testifies about alleged bribe to ex-tax collector Joel GreenbergJoseph Ellicott, once a close friend of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, testified in federal court Wednesday that he served as a “middle man” to facilitate a bribe payment from a contractor to the elected official.
80 child pornography images found in ex-tax collector Greenberg’s vehicle, attorney claims
Read full article: 80 child pornography images found in ex-tax collector Greenberg’s vehicle, attorney claimsAgents with the U.S. Secret Service found a computer USB hard drive containing 80 images of child pornography inside a vehicle owned by former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg in 2021, but he was never criminally charged for that offense, according to statements made Tuesday in a federal courtroom.
Key witness to plead the 5th in fraud trial tied to ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Key witness to plead the 5th in fraud trial tied to ex-tax collector Joel GreenbergAs jury selection began in the trial of a consultant accused of bribing former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, federal prosecutors said one of their key witnesses plans to assert his fifth amendment constitutional right against self-incrimination if questioned about child sex trafficking.
Associate of ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg faces fraud trial
Read full article: Associate of ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg faces fraud trialJury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the federal trial of Michael Shirley, an associate of disgraced Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg who is accused of bribing the former public official in 2017.
Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg to testify at associate’s upcoming trial
Read full article: Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg to testify at associate’s upcoming trialFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, who is serving an 11-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking and other federal crimes, is expected to testify at the upcoming trial of an associate accused of bribery.
Joel Greenberg associate claims alleged bribes were car registration payments
Read full article: Joel Greenberg associate claims alleged bribes were car registration paymentsA former consultant for the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office claims checks written to former tax collector Joel Greenberg were not bribes — they were car registration payments.
Friend of ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to crimes related to prostitution, loan fraud
Read full article: Friend of ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to crimes related to prostitution, loan fraudA friend of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg will plead guilty to federal charges related to prostitution and COVID-19 relief loan fraud, according to a plea agreement signed Monday.
Seminole County officials celebrate opening of new tax collector’s office with ribbon cutting
Read full article: Seminole County officials celebrate opening of new tax collector’s office with ribbon cuttingSeminole County officials celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new tax collector’s office on Tuesday.
Associate of ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg sentenced to 9 years in prison
Read full article: Associate of ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg sentenced to 9 years in prisonAn associate of former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg was sentenced to nine years in federal prison Monday after pleading guilty to multiple fraud charges.
Rep. Matt Gaetz says no charges coming in sex trafficking case
Read full article: Rep. Matt Gaetz says no charges coming in sex trafficking caseFlorida Rep. Matt Gaetz will not face charges in a years-long federal sex-trafficking investigation by the U.S. Justice Dept., according to reporting by CNN.
Woman tied to Joel Greenberg COVID-19 loan scheme sentenced
Read full article: Woman tied to Joel Greenberg COVID-19 loan scheme sentencedA woman whom prosecutors say played a “minor” role in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme was sentenced to five years of probation Tuesday and ordered to pay $587,500 in restitution.
Bribery, fraud, sex: What we know about the cases Joel Greenberg is involved in
Read full article: Bribery, fraud, sex: What we know about the cases Joel Greenberg is involved inJoel Greenberg could have faced a far longer sentence, but prosecutors say he has spent the last two years talking to federal and state investigators in a number of cases.
Joel Greenberg’s attorney thinks more indictments coming, warns of complacency
Read full article: Joel Greenberg’s attorney thinks more indictments coming, warns of complacencyThe attorney for disgraced Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg says more prosecutions should be on the way based on evidence his client gave on multiple investigations.
Gaetz friend gets 11 years for sex crime, other counts
Read full article: Gaetz friend gets 11 years for sex crime, other countsA former Florida tax collector whose arrest led to a federal probe into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor and other crimes.
‘Betrayed your trust:’ Joel Greenberg sentenced to 11 years in prison for child sex trafficking, fraud
Read full article: ‘Betrayed your trust:’ Joel Greenberg sentenced to 11 years in prison for child sex trafficking, fraudFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison after facing a judge for several federal charges, including child sex trafficking and aggravated identity theft.
Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg to pay Seminole County $1.3 million
Read full article: Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg to pay Seminole County $1.3 millionDisgraced former tax collector Joel Greenberg will pay Seminole County government more than $1.3 million in restitution to cover the county’s losses while he was in office, the county attorney announced Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors request lenient sentencing for ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Federal prosecutors request lenient sentencing for ex-Seminole tax collector Joel GreenbergFederal prosecutors are asking a judge for a reduced sentence for disgraced Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg because of his help in other cases.
Joel Greenberg associate sentenced to 15 months in federal prison
Read full article: Joel Greenberg associate sentenced to 15 months in federal prisonAn associate of former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a bribery scheme.
Associate of ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads not guilty to fraud charges
Read full article: Associate of ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads not guilty to fraud chargesA former consultant for the Seminole County Tax Collector's Office pleaded not guilty to fraud-related charges Thursday.
Report: Rep. Gaetz may face no charges in sex-trafficking probe
Read full article: Report: Rep. Gaetz may face no charges in sex-trafficking probeCareer prosecutors told the U.S. Justice Dept. that they are recommending against charging Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, in a sex-trafficking investigation involving disgraced Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, according to a report in The Washington Post.
Associate of ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg indicted in fraud scheme, records show
Read full article: Associate of ex-Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg indicted in fraud scheme, records showA man whose business was contracted with the Seminole County Tax Collector's Office by Joel Greenberg now faces charges in a bribery scheme, according to court records.
Joel Greenberg claims Florida Sen. Jason Brodeur knew of ‘ghost candidate’ plot, records show
Read full article: Joel Greenberg claims Florida Sen. Jason Brodeur knew of ‘ghost candidate’ plot, records showAn interview transcript released this week in the “ghost candidate” case in Seminole County accuses a Florida state senator of being aware of the plan to get an independent candidate to siphon votes from his opponent.
Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg a witness in Seminole ‘ghost candidate’ fraud case
Read full article: Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg a witness in Seminole ‘ghost candidate’ fraud caseDisgraced former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is now involved with another criminal case, this time as a witness.
Former Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg to be sentenced Dec. 1
Read full article: Former Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg to be sentenced Dec. 1More than 18 months after former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg began cooperating with federal prosecutors as part of a plea agreement, a judge is scheduled to sentence Greenberg on six criminal charges including child sex trafficking.
Former Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg sentencing is being set
Read full article: Former Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg sentencing is being setMore than a year after Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty to six federal charges including child sex trafficking, the former Seminole County tax collector's sentencing hearing is in the process of being set, newly filed court records show.
Former Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg could be sentenced in August
Read full article: Former Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg could be sentenced in AugustIn a newly filed court order, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell indicated that the year-long delay in sentencing Joel Greenberg has been “in the interest of justice.”
Joel Greenberg’s estranged wife appears in Matt Gaetz rap video
Read full article: Joel Greenberg’s estranged wife appears in Matt Gaetz rap videoA newly released rap video celebrating Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz features an unlikely cameo: the estranged wife of former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg.
Joel Greenberg associate pleads guilty to role in bribery scheme
Read full article: Joel Greenberg associate pleads guilty to role in bribery schemeAn associate and ex-employee of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty Wednesday to a pair of federal charges, including one related to a bribery scheme.
Former Seminole tax collector seeks another sentencing delay
Read full article: Former Seminole tax collector seeks another sentencing delayFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is once again asking a judge to delay his sentencing on federal charges as he continues to cooperate with authorities “against multiple individuals,” according to newly filed court papers.
Joel Greenberg associate pleads guilty to federal charges
Read full article: Joel Greenberg associate pleads guilty to federal chargesAn associate of former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg must cooperate with authorities on federal investigations as part of a plea agreement, court filings made public this week reveal.
REPORT: Rep. Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend seen at Orlando courthouse in child sex-trafficking case
Read full article: REPORT: Rep. Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend seen at Orlando courthouse in child sex-trafficking caseGaetz is being investigated by a grand jury in accusations that are tied to the Joel Greenberg case.
Joel Greenberg will pay almost $1.9 million to Seminole County
Read full article: Joel Greenberg will pay almost $1.9 million to Seminole CountyA former Florida tax collector whose arrest last year triggered an investigation into Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has agreed to pay almost $1.9 million in restitution for public money that was misspent during his time in office.
2 Joel Greenberg associates indicted over alleged property fraud scheme
Read full article: 2 Joel Greenberg associates indicted over alleged property fraud schemeTwo of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg's former associates face a litany of charges, according to a federal indictment.
Joel Greenberg’s estranged wife seeks to sell couple’s Heathrow home
Read full article: Joel Greenberg’s estranged wife seeks to sell couple’s Heathrow homeAs former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg awaits sentencing on child sex trafficking and other federal charges, his estranged wife is asking a judge for permission to sell the couple’s home in Lake Mary’s Heathrow community.
Judge sets hearing date as former tax collector Joel Greenberg seeks delay in sentencing
Read full article: Judge sets hearing date as former tax collector Joel Greenberg seeks delay in sentencingFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is asking a judge to postpone his sentencing on child sex trafficking and other criminal charges until March 2022 so he can continue cooperating with federal authorities on other investigations, according to a newly filed court motion.
Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg seeks delay in sentencing
Read full article: Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg seeks delay in sentencingFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is asking a judge to postpone his sentencing on child sex trafficking and other criminal charges until March 2022 so he can continue cooperating with federal authorities on other investigations, according to a newly filed court motion.
Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg accessed restricted database on nearly 300 people, officials say
Read full article: Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg accessed restricted database on nearly 300 people, officials sayOfficials say Joel Greenberg, the friend of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz who pleaded guilty earlier this year to identity theft and other charges, accessed a restricted state database through his position as a local tax collector in Florida to look up information on hundreds of people.
Joel Greenberg stalking victim demands state to review former tax collector’s case
Read full article: Joel Greenberg stalking victim demands state to review former tax collector’s caseAs Seminole County’s former tax collector awaits sentencing on federal charges including child sex trafficking and stalking a political rival, one of Joel Greenberg’s victims is demanding an outside review into how state and local authorities initially investigated the elected official.
Sports items sale sought in case against ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Sports items sale sought in case against ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel GreenbergThousands of dollars in sports memorabilia owned by an associate of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz could be sold to recoup misused taxpayer money.
Joel Greenberg looks to delay sentencing on sex trafficking conviction, court documents show
Read full article: Joel Greenberg looks to delay sentencing on sex trafficking conviction, court documents showJoel Greenberg, the ex-Seminole County Tax Collector, is seeking to delay his sentencing on federal charges by 90 days, according to court documents.
Federal sentencing date set for ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg
Read full article: Federal sentencing date set for ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel GreenbergA sentencing date has been set for ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg following a guilty plea from the Republican politician in May.
Florida politician seen as key figure in federal probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz enters guilty plea
Read full article: Florida politician seen as key figure in federal probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz enters guilty pleaFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty Monday morning to six criminal charges including child sex trafficking.
Joel Greenberg’s stalking victim speaks about former Seminole tax collector’s guilty plea
Read full article: Joel Greenberg’s stalking victim speaks about former Seminole tax collector’s guilty pleaThe man who investigators say was the target of an online smear campaign perpetrated by Joel Greenberg spoke to the media on Monday as the former Seminole County tax collector pleaded guilty in federal court to six charges, including child sex trafficking.
Gaetz associate pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges
Read full article: Gaetz associate pleads guilty to sex trafficking chargesA Florida politician who emerged as a central figure in the Justice Department’s sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz has pleaded guilty to six federal charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors as part of a plea deal.
Joel Greenberg admits to paying teen for sex, introducing her to other men, documents show
Read full article: Joel Greenberg admits to paying teen for sex, introducing her to other men, documents showJoel Greenberg admitted to having a sexual relationship and trafficking a minor in his plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Gaetz associate agrees to cooperate in federal investigation
Read full article: Gaetz associate agrees to cooperate in federal investigationA Florida politician who is a central figure in the federal sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.
Joel Greenberg to plead guilty to 6 charges, cooperate in federal investigation
Read full article: Joel Greenberg to plead guilty to 6 charges, cooperate in federal investigationA notice filed by Greenberg’s attorney Fritz Scheller Friday shows he plans to change his not-guilty plea during a hearing Monday.
Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg to change his not-guilty plea
Read full article: Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg to change his not-guilty pleaA notice filed by Greenberg’s attorney Fritz Scheller Friday shows he plans to change his not-guilty plea during a hearing Monday.
Joel Greenberg scandal: Who’s who in the federal investigation?
Read full article: Joel Greenberg scandal: Who’s who in the federal investigation?According to a forensic audit completed after Joel Greenberg left office, the one-time Seminole County Tax Collector used his newly acquired power to reward family, friends and the politically connected with questionable contracts, totaling more than $1 million in wasted taxpayer dollars.
Longtime associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz leaves position at lobbying firm
Read full article: Longtime associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz leaves position at lobbying firmChris Dorworth, a former Florida state legislator and longtime associate of Congressman Matt Gaetz, abruptly departed his position at a lobbying firm Friday night.
‘Uniquely situated:’ Ex-Seminole Tax Collector Joel Greenberg likely to take plea deal, attorney says
Read full article: ‘Uniquely situated:’ Ex-Seminole Tax Collector Joel Greenberg likely to take plea deal, attorney saysFormer Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg faces a federal judge for the first time since his case started drawing national attention.
Gaetz associate working toward plea deal with prosecutors
Read full article: Gaetz associate working toward plea deal with prosecutorsAn associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz's is working toward a plea deal with federal prosecutors investigating a sex trafficking operation, potentially escalating the legal and political jeopardy facing the Florida congressman.
Joel Greenberg Timeline: From rising Republican star to federal charges
Read full article: Joel Greenberg Timeline: From rising Republican star to federal chargesThe one-time rising Republican star now faces 33 federal charges. Here is a timeline showing Greenberg’s steps and possible missteps since he was elected.
Former Seminole County tax collector accused of stealing $400,000 in taxpayer money
Read full article: Former Seminole County tax collector accused of stealing $400,000 in taxpayer moneySEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg now faces 21 new federal charges, in addition to the 12 he was already facing. According to prosecutors, Greenberg diverted more than $400,000 in tax collector funds for his own personal gain. AdGreenberg used the tax collector’s American Express card to purchase cryptocurrency and used tax collector funds to operate a cryptocurrency mining operation for his own benefit and also used tax collector funds to run a business selling cryptocurrency mining tools to others, according to the indictment. Additionally, prosecutors said Greenburg used tax collector funds to buy sports memorabilia signed by Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. #BREAKING: Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg just got slapped w/ 21 new federal charges...in addition to the 12 he was already facing.
Joel Greenberg violated probation looking for wife in Jupiter, report shows
Read full article: Joel Greenberg violated probation looking for wife in Jupiter, report showsFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg violated his probation this week when he went down to his mother-in-law’s home in Jupiter to find his wife, according to a police report. According to an arrest report from the Jupiter Police Department, officers went to Greenberg’s mother-in-law’s home in Jupiter Plantation after his ankle monitor alerted authorities to his whereabouts. She told police he showed up uninvited looking for his wife, Abby Greenberg, but she was not home when he arrived. AdAbby Greenberg said her husband used her Snapchat location to find her and drove from their home to Jupiter. Jupiter police were unable to get in touch with Greenberg’s probation officer and arrested him on a charge of violation of probation.
Ex-Seminole County tax collector awaiting federal trial arrested on bond violation
Read full article: Ex-Seminole County tax collector awaiting federal trial arrested on bond violationORLANDO, Fla. – Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg was arrested Tuesday after prosecutors say he violated the conditions of his release on bail by traveling to Jupiter. Greenberg appeared before a judge at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on the bond violation. On Friday, both sides agreed to lessen Greenberg’s bond restrictions but it’s unclear why since those court records are sealed. AdGreenberg, 35, served as Seminole County tax collector from January 2017 until June 24, 2020 when he stepped down from office following his indictment. The trial was set for March but Greenberg recently hired a new attorney, which could delay proceedings again.
Former Seminole tax collector’s federal trial delayed until at least June
Read full article: Former Seminole tax collector’s federal trial delayed until at least JuneThe federal trial for former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg has been delayed and as of now, it won’t begin until at least June. Originally, Greenberg was set to stand trial in March but on Monday he waived his right to a speedy trial and that date was pushed back. Mark Horwitz formerly represented the former tax collector up until December of last year. She was acquitted following a federal trial. Jeff “J.R.” Kroll has since been elected as tax collector.
23 of the strangest things that happened in Florida in 2020
Read full article: 23 of the strangest things that happened in Florida in 2020As we prepare to head into hopefully what will be a better and brighter 2021, we’re taking a look back at some of the strangest things that happened in Florida this year. While we’re on the topic of things that should remain saliva-free, there was this Florida woman who filmed herself licking a toilet seat “on a sugar daddy’s plane” in what she dubbed the “coronavirus challenge.”3. As a monumental tribute to the toilet paper hoarding, one Florida man hung a giant roll in his front yard for all to see at a time when he was down to his last three rolls. Perhaps the fan favorite this year was the Florida man who waded into the water and wrestled a gator that snatched up his poor little puppy. The video went viral on TikTok and gave as all a chance to bond over how much we hate long lights and bumper-to-bumper conditions on the road.
Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg hires new attorney ahead of federal trial
Read full article: Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg hires new attorney ahead of federal trialFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg hired a new attorney to represent him in federal court this spring during his trial. Greenberg is scheduled to stand trial in March 2021 but it’s possible hiring a new attorney could delay proceedings. Mark Horwitz formerly represented the former tax collector up until December. An independent audit of the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office under Greenberg’s tenure found gross misuses of taxpayer money including the purchases of a sprinkler system to remotely spray petitioners, as well as tactical gear and weapons. Greenberg, 35, served as Seminole County tax collector from January 2017 until June 24 when he stepped down from office following his indictment.
Former Seminole tax collector set to stand trial in March on federal charges
Read full article: Former Seminole tax collector set to stand trial in March on federal chargesFormer Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, who was indicted in June on federal charges, is scheduled to stand trial in March 2021, as of now. [TRENDING: Man found clinging to boat 86 miles off Fla. | US may see ‘surge upon surge’ of COVID-19 | Mom of slain teen shot at burial service]Greenberg is facing federal charges of stalking, unlawful use of means to identify another person, production of identification and false identification documents, aggravated identity theft, sex trafficking of a child and violating the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act. He has entered a plea of not guilty. Greenberg resigned from his position not long after he was indicted. Jeff “J.R.” Kroll has since been elected.
Audit: Joel Greenberg misspent millions while serving as Seminole tax collector
Read full article: Audit: Joel Greenberg misspent millions while serving as Seminole tax collectorSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – An independent audit of the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office under the leadership of Joel Greenberg found gross misuses of taxpayer money including the purchases of sprinkler system to remotely spray petitioners, as well as tactical gear and weapons. Anything left over at the end of the fiscal year is returned to Seminole County taxing authorities. Auditors found GBS was set up to allow taxpayers to potentially make payments to the tax collector’s office using digital currency. Auditors also compared the Seminole County Tax Collector’s legal fees to surrounding counties. On Tuesday, Seminole County elected a new tax collector.
J.R. Kroll to replace Joel Greenberg as Seminole County tax collector
Read full article: J.R. Kroll to replace Joel Greenberg as Seminole County tax collectorSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Republican Jeff ‘J.R.’ Kroll has been declared the winner of the Seminole County tax collector race with more than 54% of voters choosing Kroll over the Democratic candidate. With 79 out of 90 Seminole County precincts reporting on Election Night, Kroll had earned 54% of the county’s votes and Lynn “Moira” Dictor had 46%. The Seminole County tax collector is responsible for overseeing the office that issues driver’s licenses, decides how tax dollars will be invested back into the community and provides concealed weapons permits. Read more about Kroll’s opponent, Lynn “Moira” Dictor, below:Some Central Florida voters may know Lynn Dictor best as Moira from “The Philips Phile” on Real Radio 104.1. Dictor would like to pivot from her role as radio personality to Seminole County tax collector in order to bring more transparency to the office.
Meet the candidates: Here’s who’s running for Seminole County tax collector
Read full article: Meet the candidates: Here’s who’s running for Seminole County tax collectorSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – It’ll be up to Seminole County voters to determine who will be the new tax collector after the man formerly in the position resigned amid his arrest on federal charges. Instead, voters will choose between Lynn Moira Dictor and Jeff “J.R.” Kroll, who beat Republican challenger Brian Beute during the August primary election. Here’s how to track your ballot]Whoever is elected to serve as Seminole County tax collector will be responsible for overseeing the office that issues driver’s licenses, decides how tax dollars will be invested back into the community and provides concealed weapons permits. Dictor would like to pivot from her role as radio personality to Seminole County tax collector in order to bring more transparency to the office. Jeff “J.R.” KrollJ.R. Kroll wrote that he was motivated to run for tax collector after “discovering the mismanagement of tax payers' money under the most recent administration.” He boasts two decades of business management experience that includes running his family business and becoming a top-selling realtor in the Orlando-area market.
Judge modifies condition of release of former tax collector facing federal charges
Read full article: Judge modifies condition of release of former tax collector facing federal chargesSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. A judge has modified the conditions of the release of former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, who has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including child sex trafficking. [RELATED: Former tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads not guilty to new sex trafficking charges | Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg accused of using DMV database to engage in sugar daddy relationships]He is accused of using his access to state databases to recruit and solicit an underage girl for sex. He resigned as a tax collector of Seminole County in June. The fake IDs Greenberg made were used to facilitate his efforts to engage in commercial sex acts, according to court documents. The former tax collector faces up to 12 federal charges, including unlawful use of means of identification of another person, producing false identification, identity theft and stalking.
Former tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads not guilty to new sex trafficking charges
Read full article: Former tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads not guilty to new sex trafficking chargesORLANDO, Fla. – Ex-Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg entered a not guilty plea to the latest federal charges against him that include child sex trafficking. Greenberg was indicted Aug. 19 on new federal charges that allege he used his access to state databases to recruit and solicit an underage girl for sex. Greenberg, who resigned as tax collector in June after his arrest on federal stalking charges, was indicted by a federal grand jury on the new charges, which include sex trafficking of a child and violating the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act. The fake IDs Greenberg made were used to “facilitate his efforts to engage in commercial sex acts,” according to court documents. The former tax collector now faces up to 12 federal charges, including unlawful use of means of identification of another person, producing false identification, identity theft and stalking.
Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg accused of using DMV database to engage in ‘sugar daddy’ relationships
Read full article: Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg accused of using DMV database to engage in ‘sugar daddy’ relationshipsFormer Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg was indicted Wednesday on new federal charges that allege he used his access to state databases to recruit and solicit an underage girl for sex. The former elected official is already facing charges and accused of using information from surrendered driver’s licenses to make fake IDs with his picture on it, according to a federal indictment. The fake IDs Greenberg made were used to “facilitate his efforts to engage in commercial sex acts,” according to court documents. The victim was between 14 and 17 years old, according to the federal indictment. Greenberg will face a federal judge on Aug. 27 in Orlando to be arraigned on the news charges.
Meet the candidates: Here are the Republicans running for Seminole County tax collector
Read full article: Meet the candidates: Here are the Republicans running for Seminole County tax collectorSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. Two Republicans are in the running to replace former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, who resigned from office after he was indicted on federal stalking charges. The victim in that stalking case, teacher Brian Beute, will be on the ballot, along with realtor J.R. Kroll. Ultimately, whoever is elected to serve as Seminole County tax collector will be responsible for overseeing the office that issues drivers licenses, decides how tax dollars will be invested back into the community and provides concealed weapons permits. He filed to run for tax collector in 2019, after becoming the inaugural president of Save Rural Seminole County, a group dedicated to preserving and protecting the countys rural areas. His campaign promises include restructuring the tax collectors office, ordering an independent audit of the agency and employing fiscally conservative policies.
DNA on letters among evidence used to indict former Seminole County tax collector, feds say
Read full article: DNA on letters among evidence used to indict former Seminole County tax collector, feds saySEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A memo filed Wednesday in the case against former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg outlines some of the evidence used to arrest him on federal stalking charges, including DNA and fingerprints on letters. [READ: Seminole County tax collector resigns after indictment on federal stalking charges | Former Seminole County Tax Collector accused of making fake IDs with customers’ information]A criminal investigation found the victim did not have any sexual contact with any students. According to the document filed Wednesday, Greenberg used his personal email domain -- @joelgreenberg.net -- to create the fraudulent Twitter profile. [RELATED: Seminole County tax collector accused of stalking political opponent indicted on federal charges | Former Seminole County tax collector pleads not guilty to federal stalking charges]As far as the request for a bill of particulars, Lopez is asking that it be denied because the victim’s name is mentioned 400 times and the school where he works is mentioned 300 times in the documents provided as part of discovery. In the same memo, Lopez also mentions that there is an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the federal stalking case.
Former Seminole County tax collector was trying to make fake concealed weapon permits, feds say
Read full article: Former Seminole County tax collector was trying to make fake concealed weapon permits, feds saySEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – While his office was closed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg was at the location “practicing” how to make fake concealed weapon permits, according to federal prosecutors. The new allegation comes as evidence continues to mount against Greenberg, who resigned in June after he was indicted on federal stalking charges. [RELATED: Seminole County tax collector resigns after indictment on federal stalking charges | Former Seminole County tax collector pleads not guilty to federal stalking charges]After Greenberg left the office, officials said pieces of the card stock paper used for concealed weapon permits were found in his office. Employees of the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office advise that an employee observed Greenberg take surrendered licenses from the shred basket prior to them being shredded. In the federal stalking case, Greenberg has already entered a plea of not guilty.
Former Seminole County tax collector pleads not guilty to federal stalking charges
Read full article: Former Seminole County tax collector pleads not guilty to federal stalking chargesFormer Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal stalking charges after federal prosecutors say he is accused of harassing a political opponent. Greenberg, 35, served as Seminole County tax collector since January 2017. Greenberg entered a not guilty plea Sunday through his attorney, waiving his in-person arraignment in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida. Greenberg is accused of spreading false information about a political opponent who worked at a Seminole County school and attempting to cause “substantial emotional distress,” documents show. Republican Seminole County Tax Collector candidate Brian Beute confirmed through his attorney the actions described in the federal indictment were targeted at him.
Seminole County tax collector resigns after indictment on federal stalking charges
Read full article: Seminole County tax collector resigns after indictment on federal stalking chargesSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A day after being indicted on federal stalking charges stemming from a series of online incidents involving a political opponent, Joel Greenberg has resigned from his position as Seminole County tax collector. The attorney representing the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office confirmed the news Wednesday evening. “Brian and his family are relieved and grateful that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has fought to bring the perpetrator of this nightmare to justice.”Greenberg, 35, had served as Seminole County tax collector since January 2017. During that time, he’s made headlines for trespassing a Seminole County commissioner, sharing an anti-Muslim Facebook post and asking for a pass during a traffic stop. During a federal court appearance Tuesday, a judge granted Greenberg a conditional release.
Seminole County tax collector accused of stalking political opponent indicted on federal charges
Read full article: Seminole County tax collector accused of stalking political opponent indicted on federal chargesSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg was indicted in federal court Tuesday on charges of stalking and unlawful use of means to identify another person in an attempt to upset a fellow candidate, according to court records filed in the Middle District of Florida. Greenberg is accused of spreading false information about a political opponent who worked at a Seminole County school and attempting to cause “substantial emotional distress,” documents show. Greenberg’s arrest this morning came as a surprise to all of us in the office,” said Brian Bieber, the attorney representing the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office. Greenberg, 35, has been the tax collector in Seminole County since January 2017 and is no stranger to controversy. Early in his post, Greenberg trespassed a Seminole County commissioner and in 2018 came under fire for sharing an anti-Muslim Facebook post.