Seminole County

Former Seminole County tax collector misspent millions on questionable purchases, hired unnecessary staff, audit says

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Newly obtained documents shed light on the spending habits of former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg during his time in office.

The documents show he spent millions of dollars on questionable items, many of which appear to be personal.

READ: Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg made nearly $4M worth of questionable purchases in office, audit shows

The county’s audit also found several positions in the office that were not needed.

When asked what some of those people did, the chief financial officer was not sure.

The county is now looking at recouping some of the money they believe was misspent.

READ: Child sex trafficking, ‘sugar daddy’ relationships: Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg faces new allegations in indictment

According to the audit, Greenberg used two of the tax collector’s credit cards for anything he wanted. Questionable purchases totaled $367,270 for cash advances, food and groceries bought on the weekend, as well as iTunes and electronics.

“I’m not sure why we need firearms for tax collectors in today’s times,” Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower said. “I’m not sure why we need to be purchasing food and groceries. I’m not sure we need to be purchasing special equipment that is only accessible by the tax collector himself. It’s very troubling to see those kinds of things.”

READ: Former Seminole County Tax Collector accused of creating fake IDs, documents say

On the day federal investigators arrested Greenberg in June, he used his county American Express card to pay an attorney $31,000.

“It’s very concerning,” Zembower said.

Officials said the investigation into Greenberg is ongoing.


Jeff Levkulich

Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com

Jeff Levkulich joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in June 2015.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.