Joel Greenberg’s wife seeks to finalize divorce, says crypto account could be worth millions – Orlando Sentinel

Joel Greenberg’s ex-wife claims the former Seminole County tax collector didn’t pay “a dime” in child support or alimony – despite having a crypto account. coin worth $3 million – as she seeks to finalize the couple’s divorce, according to recent court documents.

“We don’t know where that crypto account is,” said attorney Clayton Simmons, who has represented Abby Greenberg since she filed for divorce last October. “But she would be entitled to a share of that.”

Although he and his client listed the “possible value” of the account at $3 million in a financial affidavit filed last week, Simmons said information about the account, including its value, is in the possession of the office of the US attorney and that he did not access it.

Joel Greenberg’s attorney, Fritz Scheller, said on Tuesday that he was skeptical that a cryptocurrency account with that much money existed.

“I can confirm that cryptocurrency is in the hands of a leprechaun at the end of a rainbow in the lost city of Atlantis,” he said. But “rest assured, to the extent that there is any cryptocurrency, no matter how small, it is in the hands of the government. Mr. Simmons’ statement proves that hope is the epitome of illusion human.

Since Greenberg pleaded guilty in May 2021 to six federal felonies, he has cooperated with federal authorities on multiple investigations. His sentencing date has been postponed indefinitely and he has been incarcerated in the Orange County Jail since March 2, 2021.

The former tax collector faces a mandatory minimum of 12 years in federal prison. But prosecutors said they would recommend a lesser sentence if he provided substantial assistance in other investigations.

Abby Greenberg filed for divorce last October and claimed in court documents that the couple had been separated since Greenberg was last arrested.

In another filing last week, she asked Circuit Judge Christopher Sprysenki to finalize the divorce, in part because Simmons plans to retire on May 1 and will then have to look for a new lawyer if the litigation is still pending. asset.

“It is undisputed that the husband will be incarcerated for a significant period of time and will not be able to afford to pay child support to the wife for that time,” Simmons wrote in her motion filed Thursday.

On Tuesday, Simmons said Joel Greenberg’s criminal case “has no bearing on the divorce,” and Abby Greenberg wants it settled.

“They no longer have any joint assets, regardless of the outcome of his criminal case,” Simmons said Tuesday. “We’re just trying to wrap this up.”

Joel Greenberg dabbled in cryptocurrency shortly after taking over as Seminole’s tax collector in January 2017. And the federal investigation into Greenberg began with his embezzlement of state funds for a crypto scheme. -currency and eventually expanded to other charges including sex trafficking.

According to the financial affidavit, Abby Greenberg is an independent realtor and works from her home near Sand Lake Road near Altamonte Springs. His only income is a commission from the sale of properties.

Her monthly expenses total $23,528, including $1,000 for utilities, $1,000 for food, $1,000 for clothing for herself, $715 for counseling, $5,200 for daycare for their two young children, $200 for children’s clothing and $1,000 for gifts.

Under assets, Abby Greenberg lists $90,000 in cash, $10,000 in stocks and bonds, and $50,000 in automobiles. Under the couple’s assets, she lists $27,000 in assets that Joel Greenberg liquidated “without his wife’s knowledge.” The cryptocurrency account is listed as a “contingent asset”.

Last December, Joel Greenberg reached an agreement with Seminole County to pay more than $1.8 million in restitution, according to a county attorney.

This month, a rap video uploaded to YouTube about US Congressman Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Pensacola, showed Abby Greenberg. Gaetz, who was friends with Joel Greenberg, is believed to be among the targets of federal prosecutors Greenberg is cooperating with.

Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.

mcomas@orlandosentinel.com