A central figure in the probe into congressman Matt Gaetz has been cooperating with federal authorities since last year, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
Joel Greenberg has allegedly told investigators that he and Gaetz had sexual encounters with women in exchange for cash or gifts. It’s been known Greenberg, who is currently under indictment, was considering a plea deal, but this is the first time we’re learning that he’s been pondering flipping on Gaetz. It’s part of an ongoing investigation by the Justice Department into the two men over whether they recruited women online for sex and been paid in cash.
The most disturbing allegation involves a 17 year old, which has raised the specter of sex trafficking violations. The allegations come as Gaetz returned to Washington today, but left the Capitol without answering questions from reporters.
Greenberg’s importance to the case is apparent, because he could provide firsthand accounts of these activities. The former Florida tax collector is accused of meeting the women through websites, and then connecting them with Gaetz.
According to the Times’ sources, Greenberg starting talking with investigators once he realized the evidence against him was piling up, and his only chance to avoid lengthy prison time was to flip on Gaetz.
Gaetz has maintained his innocence throughout the growing scandal. He even tried to capitalize on the scandal by sending out fundraising emails.
But details emerging about a trip to the Bahamas, which the feds are looking into closely, seem to have put Gaetz in further jeopardy.
The allegations against him have made Gaetz a pariah even among fellow Republicans. Even former president Trump apparently wants to keep his distance from the congressman as the investigation continues to grow.
While Florida republican Senator Marco Rubio tap-danced around a question of if he stands by the controversial congressman, representative Ted Lieu, asked a question about Gaetz’s committee assignments that deserves an answers.