Former Realtor Association CEO Jennifer Garula-Mers Arrested for Stealing Over $81K and Extortion Plot

Allegations Against Jennifer Garula-Mers

• 🎯 Jennifer Garula-Mers, former CEO of the East Polk County Association of Realtors, is accused of stealing up to $81,000 from the organization.
• 💰 The alleged theft occurred between 2020, when she was hired, and 2024, when she was fired.
• 📈 She is accused of increasing her own salary and issuing unauthorized bonus payments.

Extortion Plot and Cover-Up

• 📞 Garula-Mers allegedly hired David Stachue to threaten the association's president to drop a civil lawsuit concerning her activities.
• ⚠️ Stachue was arrested for extortion, with threats including "I've run the streets of Chicago. I can just tell you this may not end well."
• 🚫 The association's executive board reportedly ignored concerns raised by the president about Garula-Mers' behavior and even suggested he leave the association.

Investigation and Arrest

• 🔍 Sheriff Grady Judd described the case as "made for television" and highlighted the lack of checks and balances within the association.
• ✅ The new interim executive director reported the criminal allegations to deputies, leading to Garula-Mers' arrest.
• ⚖️ Garula-Mers is currently facing a grand theft charge and is held in the Hernando County Jail with no bond.