Joel Greenberg: The bizarre story behind how Matt Gaetz’s tax collector friend fits into sex trafficking investigation
3 years, 11 months ago

Joel Greenberg: The bizarre story behind how Matt Gaetz’s tax collector friend fits into sex trafficking investigation

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Allegations of sex trafficking against Florida representative Matt Gaetz emerged from an investigation into an Orlando-area county tax collector with whom he had close ties. The New York Times reports that a federal child sex trafficking case against Joel Greenberg, elected in 2016 as tax collector in Seminole County, sparked a separate criminal investigation into the Republican congressman. Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, pictured in 2019 The Justice Department is reportedly investigating allegations that Mr Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her to travel across state lines. Mr Greenberg’s backstory begins in 2016 when he unseated the incumbent Republican county tax collector on an apparent wave of populism.

Florida Tax Sex Sex Trafficking Office County Email Inside Washington Greenberg Collector Gaetz Joel Greenberg Mr Greenberg Tax Collector  political  matt  joel  trafficking  office  fits  county  greenberg  greenbergs  verifyerrors  investigation  friend  email  sex  mr  gaetzs  collector  tax

History of this topic

Matt Gaetz Shares Purported Note From Trump After Release Of Scorching Ethics Report
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Matt Gaetz Shares Purported Note From Trump After Release Of Scorching Ethics Report

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz on Monday shared a note that he purportedly received from President-elect Donald Trump, posting a photo of the message online after the House Ethics Committee said it found evidence that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illegal drug use while in Congress. The House Ethics Committee suggested that Gaetz “violated House Rules …

Donald Trump’s former AG nominee Matt Gaetz accused of prostitution, paying teen for sex, drug use
Top News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Donald Trump’s former AG nominee Matt Gaetz accused of prostitution, paying teen for sex, drug use

Live Mint  

Former Representative Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, who was briefly in the running to become President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, has been found by the US House Ethics Committee to have violated state laws by paying a 17-year-old girl for sex and purchasing illegal drugs, CBS News reported on Monday, citing a draft of the panel's final report. …

'Prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use': Damning Matt Gaetz ethics report leaks
Top News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

'Prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use': Damning Matt Gaetz ethics report leaks

Raw Story  

A copy of the House Ethics Committee's report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz obtained by CBS News alleges that the Florida Republican engaged in a number of illegal activities. The 37-page report, which is due to be released on Monday, writes that "there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory …

Senators seek FBI's evidence against Gaetz in sex trafficking probe
4 months ago

Senators seek FBI's evidence against Gaetz in sex trafficking probe

Raw Story  

Senate Democrats asked for the evidence gathered on Matt Gaetz by an FBI investigation into his alleged sex crimes. Ten of the 11 Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a letter Wednesday to FBI director Christopher Wray requesting the agency's complete file on the sex trafficking investigation involving Gaetz, who Donald Trump has nominated to lead the Justice Department, …

Hacker obtains files from House Ethics Committee detailing explosive claims against Matt Gaetz
Trending News
4 months ago

Hacker obtains files from House Ethics Committee detailing explosive claims against Matt Gaetz

Salon  

An anonymous hacker has obtained files containing evidence against former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who has been accused of paying for sex, including with a minor, The New York Times reported. As a member of Congress, Gaetz was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations he used illicit drugs and paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl in …

Matt Gaetz once faced a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he could now lead
4 months, 1 week ago

Matt Gaetz once faced a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he could now lead

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, was once embroiled in a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he’s been tapped to lead, and has been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including sexual misconduct. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said last year that the Justice Department’s …

Matt Gaetz accused in new court filings of attending drug-fueled sex party with teen
6 months ago

Matt Gaetz accused in new court filings of attending drug-fueled sex party with teen

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rep. …

House Ethics Committee takes major step in Matt Gaetz underage sex investigation: NYT
1 year, 1 month ago

House Ethics Committee takes major step in Matt Gaetz underage sex investigation: NYT

Raw Story  

The House Ethics Committee is taking a major step in reviving an inquiry into Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged dalliances with underage teens, reports the New York Times. The Department of Justice previously conducted its own investigation and chose not to file charges, but that has not stopped the House committee for requesting all materials to do their own inquiry. As …

House ethics committee contacts minor from Matt Gaetz 'sex trafficking' probe: report
1 year, 1 month ago

House ethics committee contacts minor from Matt Gaetz 'sex trafficking' probe: report

Raw Story  

The woman who was 17 at the time when she allegedly had sexual relations with Rep. Matt Gaetz has been contacted by the House Ethics Committee, according to CNN citing a source. The GOP-led committee, chaired by Rep. Michael Guest, has been investigating Gaetz and recently began conducting interviews of "multiple new witnesses" suggesting it is ramping up its fact-finding …

Matt Gaetz Says DOJ Has Dropped Sex Trafficking Probe Against Him
2 years, 1 month ago

Matt Gaetz Says DOJ Has Dropped Sex Trafficking Probe Against Him

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The Justice Department is dropping its sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz, attorneys for the congressman said Wednesday. Gaetz, a firm ally of former President Donald Trump, has been under investigation since 2020 over allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old, paid for her to travel with him across state lines and obstructed justice to …

Justice Department won’t charge Matt Gaetz for sex trafficking
2 years, 1 month ago

Justice Department won’t charge Matt Gaetz for sex trafficking

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Justice Department officials have said they will not seek sex …

Matt Gaetz's former friend sentenced to 11 years in sex trafficking case
2 years, 3 months ago

Matt Gaetz's former friend sentenced to 11 years in sex trafficking case

Raw Story  

The former Seminole County tax collector who was friends with Rep. Matt Gaetz has been sentenced to 11 years in prison over charges that he sex trafficked a minor, as well as other crimes, Axios reports. Joel Greenberg was the focus of a federal sex crimes investigation involving Gaetz, who has not been charged with a crime and has denied …

Matt Gaetz friend gets 11 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor and other crimes
2 years, 3 months ago

Matt Gaetz friend gets 11 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor and other crimes

LA Times  

The judge who sentenced Joel Greenberg, shown in 2019, on Thursday said he had never dealt with “a defendant who has committed so many different types of crimes in such a short period of time.” A former Florida tax collector whose arrest led to a federal investigation of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has been sentenced to 11 years in prison …

Legal analyst says Matt Gaetz decision is 'atrocious prosecutorial practice'
2 years, 5 months ago

Legal analyst says Matt Gaetz decision is 'atrocious prosecutorial practice'

Raw Story  

Following a Washington Post report that the Department of Justice will likely not recommend sex trafficking charges against Rep. Matt Gaetz, one legal mind shared his anger with the course of the investigation, calling it "atrocious prosecutorial practice." "The problem with DOJ’s approach to the Gaetz case is you don’t cooperate with a horrible person like Joel Greenberg *unless and …

Matt Gaetz unlikely to be charged in sex trafficking probe, report says
2 years, 5 months ago

Matt Gaetz unlikely to be charged in sex trafficking probe, report says

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Matt Gaetz, the Florida congressman who has been under investigation …

Matt Gaetz facing 'wave of indictments' in sex trafficking case: legal expert
2 years, 6 months ago

Matt Gaetz facing 'wave of indictments' in sex trafficking case: legal expert

Raw Story  

GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is facing increased scrutiny after a bombshellWashington Post report that he sought a preemptive pardon for sex trafficking. "Congressman Matt Gaetz told a former White House aide that he was seeking a preemptive pardon from President Donald Trump regarding an investigation in which he is a target, according to testimony given to the House …

Man who tried to extort $25 million from Matt Gaetz over sex trafficking investigation gets 5 years: report
2 years, 6 months ago

Man who tried to extort $25 million from Matt Gaetz over sex trafficking investigation gets 5 years: report

Raw Story  

On Monday, The Daily Beast reported that Stephen Alford, the man behind a bizarre scheme to try to extort $25 million out of Rep. Matt Gaetz by taking advantage of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation, has been sentenced to five years in prison for the scheme. "Alford, who admitted to wire fraud in the scheme last November, had promised the …

Gaetz friend faces December sentencing as he helps in probes
2 years, 8 months ago

Gaetz friend faces December sentencing as he helps in probes

Associated Press  

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sentencing for a former Florida tax collector whose arrest led to a probe of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has been set for December, as his lawyer indicated that his client continues to cooperate with federal investigators in multiple jurisdictions. After several postponements, former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg will be sentenced on Dec. 1 in federal …

Matt Gaetz's friend says he's cooperated in sex trafficking probe against 'multiple individuals'
2 years, 8 months ago

Matt Gaetz's friend says he's cooperated in sex trafficking probe against 'multiple individuals'

Raw Story  

Ahead of his sentencing for child sex trafficking, Joel Greenberg, who is an associate of Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, says he's cooperated with numerous investigations, Newsweeks reports. Greenberg pleaded guilty to six federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a child, identity theft, stalking, wire fraud, and conspiracy to bribe a public official. Greenberg's lawyer filed a motion on Tuesday …

Matt Gaetz, reportedly under investigation for sex trafficking, attacks Justice Department at CPAC
3 years ago

Matt Gaetz, reportedly under investigation for sex trafficking, attacks Justice Department at CPAC

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Embattled …

Friend of Florida tax collector in Gaetz case pleads guilty
3 years, 1 month ago

Friend of Florida tax collector in Gaetz case pleads guilty

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former employee in the …

Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend granted immunity in sex trafficking inquiry, report claims
3 years, 2 months ago

Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend granted immunity in sex trafficking inquiry, report claims

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend was granted immunity before she testified before …

Joel Greenberg seeks sentencing delay until next March as he cooperates with the feds on Gaetz probe
3 years, 5 months ago

Joel Greenberg seeks sentencing delay until next March as he cooperates with the feds on Gaetz probe

Daily Mail  

A lawyer for Joel Greenberg, the alleged wingman of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz who pleaded guilty in May to sex trafficking a minor, has asked a judge for a second sentencing delay - this time until next March - as Greenberg cooperates with federal investigators. Greenberg, 37, a former tax collector for Florida's Seminole County, has been central in the …

Matt Gaetz elopes with girlfriend Ginger Luckey as sex-trafficking probe continues
3 years, 6 months ago

Matt Gaetz elopes with girlfriend Ginger Luckey as sex-trafficking probe continues

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors …

Sports items sale sought in case against ally of Rep. Gaetz
3 years, 8 months ago

Sports items sale sought in case against ally of Rep. Gaetz

Associated Press  

SANFORD, Fla. — Thousands of dollars in sports memorabilia owned by an associate of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz could be sold to recoup misused taxpayer money. Seminole County Attorney Bryant Applegate told the county commission last week that public money was used by former tax collector Joel Greenberg for valuable items, including memorabilia signed by the former NBA stars Kobe …

Joel Greenberg: Bodycam footage shows Matt Gaetz wingman at in-laws after violating sex trafficking parole to see wife
3 years, 9 months ago

Joel Greenberg: Bodycam footage shows Matt Gaetz wingman at in-laws after violating sex trafficking parole to see wife

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Video of Joel Greenberg, …

Gaetz associate pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges
3 years, 10 months ago

Gaetz associate pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges

Associated Press  

ORLANDO, Fla. — A Florida politician who emerged as a central figure in the Justice Department’s sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz pleaded guilty Monday to six federal charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors as part of a plea deal. Federal prosecutors are examining whether Gaetz and Greenberg paid underage girls and escorts or offered them gifts in …

Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to sex trafficking as banner flown above court reads ‘tick tock Matt Gaetz’
3 years, 10 months ago

Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to sex trafficking as banner flown above court reads ‘tick tock Matt Gaetz’

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A plane has flown a banner above US District Court …

Matt Gaetz addresses sex trafficking allegations in Ohio rally speech
3 years, 10 months ago

Matt Gaetz addresses sex trafficking allegations in Ohio rally speech

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Republican congressman Matt Gaetz addressed his sexual misconduct allegations at …

Gaetz associate pleading guilty to sex trafficking minor and 5 other felonies
3 years, 10 months ago

Gaetz associate pleading guilty to sex trafficking minor and 5 other felonies

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former Florida tax collector and associate of US Rep …

Women who say they attended Matt Gaetz parties detail 'drug use, sex and payments'
3 years, 11 months ago

Women who say they attended Matt Gaetz parties detail 'drug use, sex and payments'

Raw Story  

Two women who attended parties with Rep. Matt Gaetz say they were marked by "drug use, sex, and payments," according to a new report from CNN. One woman who attended the parties tells CNN that she frequently saw Gaetz take pills that she believed to be recreational drugs, and she described the Florida lawmaker as a "frat type of party …

Matt Gaetz's iPhone Is Seized; Associate Talks In Sex Trafficking Probe: Reports
3 years, 11 months ago

Matt Gaetz's iPhone Is Seized; Associate Talks In Sex Trafficking Probe: Reports

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING New reports on the federal sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz have revealed more details about the extent of the probe, including the seizure of his iPhone by federal agents over the winter and an associate’s cooperation against him since last year. Gaetz’s cellphone was seized when federal agents executed a search warrant, Politico reported Tuesday, …

Gaetz associate working toward plea deal with prosecutors
3 years, 11 months ago

Gaetz associate working toward plea deal with prosecutors

Associated Press  

ORLANDO, Fla. — An associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz’s is working toward a plea deal with federal prosecutors investigating a sex trafficking operation, potentially escalating the legal and political jeopardy facing the Florida congressman. The revelation that a political ally of Gaetz’s, Joel Greenberg, is seeking to strike a plea deal with investigators came during a hearing Thursday at federal …

Few in GOP rush to defend Gaetz amid sex trafficking probe
3 years, 11 months ago

Few in GOP rush to defend Gaetz amid sex trafficking probe

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The political peril for conservative Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz deepened Friday as the often outlandish, Trump-styled provocateur appeared politically isolated amid a federal sex-trafficking investigation. Federal prosecutors are examining whether Gaetz and a political ally who is facing sex trafficking allegations may have paid underage girls or offered them gifts in exchange for sex, two people familiar with …

Matt Gaetz sex trafficking scandal now includes 'cash and drugs' focus: CNN
3 years, 11 months ago

Matt Gaetz sex trafficking scandal now includes 'cash and drugs' focus: CNN

Raw Story  

The sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz is not just focused on the money, but also potentially drugs, CNN reported Thursday. "Tonight, more allegations of wrongdoing against republican congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida, following reports he's being investigated for engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor,"" CNN's Wolf Blitzer reported. "Investigators are looking into his involvement with at …

Matt Gaetz Under Investigation For Possible Sexual Relations With Teenager: Report
3 years, 11 months ago

Matt Gaetz Under Investigation For Possible Sexual Relations With Teenager: Report

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The Justice Department is investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz for possible sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl, three people briefed on the matter told The New York Times on Tuesday. Gaetz elaborated in an interview with Axios, saying that “the allegations of sexual misconduct against me are false.” “They are rooted in an extortion effort against my family …

Matt Gaetz under federal investigation over possible sexual relationship with a teenage girl: New York Times
3 years, 11 months ago

Matt Gaetz under federal investigation over possible sexual relationship with a teenage girl: New York Times

Raw Story  

On Tuesday, a bombshell report in The New York Times revealed that outspoken pro-Trump Congressman Matt Gaetz is being investigated as part of a federal sex trafficking probe, into a possible relationship he had with a 17-year-old girl who he may have paid to travel across state lines. "Investigators are examining whether Mr. Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws, the …

Discover Related