POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A former real estate association CEO has been arrested after investigators concluded she stole more than $81,000 from the East Polk County Association of Realtors over several years, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say Jennifer Garula-Mers, 53, was taken into custody after a detailed financial investigation uncovered multiple unauthorized salary increases, bonuses, reimbursements, payroll checks, and personal credit card purchases made using EPCAR funds. She was terminated from her CEO position in August 2024 after financial concerns were first raised.
Investigators Say Unauthorized Salary Boosts Began Months After Hiring
According to information shared by 863famous, Garula-Mers was hired in 2020 with an $80,000 salary. Detectives found she raised her own pay to $85,000 by November of that same year and issued herself multiple unauthorized bonuses.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the salary increases continued without board approval, with Garula-Mers repeatedly adjusting her pay. By late 2023, her annual salary had climbed to $99,472, representing an unapproved salary increase of more than $43,000.
Detectives Uncover Years of Unapproved Spending
A deeper audit revealed additional financial misconduct, including:
- $20,348.89 in unauthorized payroll checks
- $2,112.97 in improper reimbursements
- $12,500 in unapproved bonuses
- $3,267.51 in personal purchases using the association’s credit card — including shopping, dining, grooming, household goods, and Amazon orders
- A manipulated retirement contribution rate yielding an extra $7,938.27
In total, EPCAR reported $81,453.92 in losses tied directly to Garula-Mers’ actions.
Sheriff Says Former CEO Abused Position for Personal Gain
Sheriff Judd issued a strong statement condemning the former CEO’s actions…