Weeks after 9 Investigates uncovered an ethics complaint against current Seminole County tax collector Ray Valdes, reporter Karla Ray dug into his opponent’s history.
Joel Greenberg, 31, is hoping to win during the primary election in less than two weeks. Though he has no record of arrests or convictions, 9 Investigates found he’s had run-ins with law enforcement dating back to when he was 18.
Sealed reports obtained by 9 Investigates show Greenberg was the suspect in a 2003 burglary and subsequent dealing in stolen property case after golf clubs were stolen from a vehicle in Longwood and later pawned under Greenberg’s name at a shop on State road 17-92 in Fern Park.
Greenberg explained off camera that he was a senior in high school when he purchased golf clubs from an unknown person, not knowing they were stolen.
In 2006, a Seminole County Sheriff’s Office report shows Greenberg took six Xanax and drank a half-bottle of wine, causing him to be involuntarily taken to South Seminole Hospital for observation. While there, a second report shows he accused a nurse of touching him inappropriately, after the nurse said he became angry and threatened to leave the hospital.
Greenberg claims through a doctor’s note that he was taking the drug Chantix at the time in an effort to quit smoking, and it caused irrational, suicidal behavior.
Past warnings from the FDA indicate Chantix carries an increased risk for mood changes.
Greenberg originally agreed to an interview about these reports, but when he showed up to the Channel 9 studios, he refused to speak on camera.
9 Investigates could not find any police reports with Greenberg’s name in the last six years.
Valdes has come under fire in an ethics complaint accusing him of misuse of his position, forging documents and selling tax sales certificates to aliases for personal gain.
Valdes admits to purchasing tax deeds, but said he’s never purchased a tax certificate.
Cox Media Group
