Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector, indicted in the Justice Department’s investigation into possible sex crimes that also included Rep. Matt Gaetz
Matthew (Matt) Gaetz The Hill’s Morning Report – presented by Tax March – conference proceeds; infrastructure is key Gaetz didn’t meet with Trump: CNN Sunday shows – Infrastructure dominates MORE (R-Fla.), Reportedly working with federal authorities.
Greenberg has told investigators that he and Gaetz had encounters with multiple women who received money or gifts in exchange for sex, according to two people familiar with the case who spoke to The New York Times.
The sources told the Times that Greenberg has spoken to investigators several times, eventually deciding to cooperate after being made aware of the overwhelming amount of evidence against him.
Greenberg, who was first charged in June, is facing dozens of charges, including sex trafficking of a minor and corruption.
The former Florida county official has come to prominence in recent weeks following reports that federal investigators were also investigating whether Gaetz was having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old, and whether he was involved in possible violations of sex trafficking and payments laws. exchange for sex to women recruited online.
The Times report comes next multiple news outlets reported Last week, Greenberg’s attorneys said in court that their client was expected to enter into a plea deal with federal investigators.
Gaetz has repeatedly denied the allegations, as well a Sunday CNN report so said former assistants President Trump
Donald Trump Trump: McConnell ‘helpless’ to stop Biden from courting Romney in NRSC handing out Trump: not’ my preference ‘McConnell bypasses Trump calling him’ dumb son of ab ‘—-‘ MORE had declined a meeting request from the congressman after news broke that he was under federal investigation.
When asked about the allegations on Tuesday, Gaetz said lashed out to CNN reporter Manu Raju, who claimed the network was run a campaign “to spread lies against me”.
‘I wrote an essay about that in the Washington Examiner. You should check it out, ” Gaetz said as he descended the steps of the Capitol, referring to an opinion piece last week in which he wrote that “the swamp is out to drown me with false accusations.”
Gaetz spokesman Harlan Hill said in a statement to The Hill in response to Tuesday’s Times report, “Congressman Gaetz has never paid for sex,” adding that Greenberg has “been trying to entangle innocent people in his troubles for quite some time. “
The Hill has contacted Greenberg’s attorney, Fritz Scheller, and the Justice Department for comment on the Times report.
Gaetz is increasingly being called to resign over the allegations, as well as other allegations that have since surfaced, though he has repeatedly vowed not to resign.
The House Ethics Committee officially last week opened an investigation in Gaetz on allegations of illegal drug use and sharing nude photos of young women with his colleagues on the House floor.
While Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, he has brought two leading New York attorneys to the defense last week to serve as his representative in the investigation of the Department of Justice.
Mike Lillis contributed.