Controversy has struck the Pembroke Park commission once again as former mayor and current commissioner Geoffrey Jacobs faces accusations of mishandling public funds. An investigation by the Broward County Office of Inspector General (OIG) alleges that Jacobs inappropriately spent over $10,000 on a 2022 holiday party aboard a luxury yacht—a sum he authorized without the required approval from the town commission. As reported by NBC Miami, the OIG found that this purchase was not only costly at roughly $440.63 per person for the 24 guests in attendance but also bypassed established procedures intended earnestly to protect taxpayer money.
Complicating the matter, Jacobs has been accused of using his town-issued credit card to make a $3,950 deposit towards the event, raising further questions of accountability. The OIG report highlights a lack of credible explanations from Jacobs, who claimed ignorance as to who used his credit card for the transaction. Despite these accusations, the embattled commissioner has surrendered his credit card and insists through his attorney that "there has never been any suggestion that Commissioner Jacobs used one penny of city money for his personal benefit," in a statement obtained by NBC Miami.
The criticism does not stop at financial mismanagement. Jacobs has also made headlines for previous altercations with fellow officials, including an incident where he called the police on the current mayor of Pembroke Park. This pattern of conduct, combined with the recent allegations, paints a portrait of a commissioner frequently at odds with his constituents and colleagues. According to WSVN, Jacobs insists he's being falsely accused and disputes the claims made against him.
Meanwhile, Pembroke Park's Vice Mayor Erik Morrissette has expressed frustration with the lack of repercussions thus far, telling NBC Miami, "There are no consequences for his deeds." The town's former finance and budget director, along with Jacobs, are also under scrutiny for their roles in the yacht party's financial arrangements.
