It’s a bad sign for Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Joel Greenberg, a Gaetz associate, signaled on Thursday that he plans to reverse course and plead guilty in a federal case involving sex trafficking charges. Greenberg had previously pleaded not guilty.
According to media reports, investigators suspect that Greenberg recruited and paid women – including at least one minor – to have sex with the embattled Florida Congressman.
On Thursday, The Washington Post noted that a “change of plea hearing” was suddenly scheduled for Greenberg. While not definitive – the hearing is on Monday – this legal maneuver suggests that Greenberg is cooperating with law enforcement officers against Gaetz. Indeed, when news broke that Greenberg and prosecutors were negotiating a potential deal, Greenberg’s lawyer said, “I’m sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today.”
Gaetz has not been charged with a crime and he has denied all wrong doing, although a paper trail suggests that he’s paid for sex.
Last month, Gaetz hired Marc Mukasey, a lawyer who also represents the Trump Organization, to defend him.