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Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg resigns following federal indictment

Joel M. Greenberg. Photo: Seminole County Tax Collector's Office
Joel M. Greenberg. Photo: Seminole County Tax Collector's Office

Seminole County Tax Collector Joel M. Greenberg has resignedafter being indicted on federal charges of stalking and identity theft.

Greenberg sent a letter of resignation to the governor on Tuesday. It was effective 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The federal indictment accuses Greenberg, 35, of Lake Mary, of an elaborate -- and illegal -- smear campaign against a political opponent.

Brian Bieber, a lawyer representing the Tax Collector’s Office, says Greenberg came in for his last day and said goodbye to the staff.

He says the office continues to run “efficiently, effectively and smoothly” under Deputy Tax Collector Cynthia Torres. And he expects the governor to appoint a replacement in the very near future.

"I think it is certainly important for the public to understand that the Seminole County Tax Collector's Office ... is not accused of contributing to or participating in any criminal conduct whatsoever," Bieber said.

The seat is up for election this year. Two other Republicans, a Democrat and an independent have also qualified for the race.

Joe Byrnes came to Central Florida Public Media from the Ocala Star-Banner and The Gainesville Sun, where he worked as a reporter and editor for several years. Joe graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans and turned to journalism after teaching. He enjoys freshwater fishing and family gatherings.