New York Times: Matt Gaetz collaborates with Department of Justice since last year

New York Times: Matt Gaetz collaborates with Department of Justice since last year

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Greenberg began talking to investigators when he realized it was his only way to indulgence in light of substantial evidence against him, the people told Times.

The newspaper reports that his collaboration with the Department of Justice, which includes several meetings with investigators, could put additional legal pressure on Gaetz as investigators work to determine whether he violated sex trafficking or prostitution laws.

Federal investigators are investigating allegations that Gaetz had sex with a minor girl who was then 17 and with women who provided drugs and money, in violation of sex trafficking and prostitution laws. Federal investigators also want to determine if Gaetz traveled and provided women in exchange for political favors as part of a broader investigation, people familiar with the investigation told CNN.

Gaetz continued to deny all allegations against him and was not charged with any crimes.

The Republican in Florida was on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to cast votes, but he did not comment on The New York Times report when CNN asked for it.

A Gaetz spokesman, Harlan Hill, said in a statement to CNN on Tuesday night that Gaetz had “never paid for sex” and suggested that Greenberg was “trying to ensnare innocent people in his troubles.” ‘

CNN called Greenberg’s attorney for comment.

Greenberg’s willingness to cooperate focused earlier this month when his lawyer and prosecutors told the court he was likely to conclude a plea deal. A federal prosecutor and Greenberg’s attorney have told a judge that the deal has not been finalized but is expected to be resolved within weeks.

The former tax commissioner in Seminole County, Florida, and a friend of Gaetz’s, Greenberg has been sentenced to decades in prison on 33 federal charges ranging from identity theft to sex trafficking with a minor.

“We believe this case will be a plea,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. Greenberg’s attorney, Fritz Scheller, requested a plea date by May 15. If a plea is not reached, they could move to a trial in July.

Scheller spoke to reporters after the trial and declined to say whether his client would be willing to cooperate as part of the possible plea deal, and would not divulge if Greenberg had already met with prosecutors to describe what he knew about Gaetz. .

However, he added that his client is ‘uniquely located’.

“I’m sure Matt Gaetz does not feel very comfortable today,” Scheller said.

CNN’s Paula Reid, David Shortell, Mark Morales and Ryan Nobles contributed to this report.

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