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Matt Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg expected to strike plea deal, attorneys say

By FOX 35 News Staff
Updated  April 9, 2021 5:23am EDT
Ocala
FOX 35 Orlando

Matt Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg expected to strike plea deal, attorneys say

An associate of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is working toward a plea deal with federal prosecutors investigating a sex trafficking operation, potentially escalating the legal and political jeopardy facing the congressman.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - An associate of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is working toward a plea deal with federal prosecutors investigating a sex trafficking operation, potentially escalating the legal and political jeopardy facing the congressman.

The revelation that Gaetz's political ally, former Seminole County Tax CollectorJoel Greenberg, is seeking to strike a plea deal with investigators came during a hearing Thursday at federal court in Orlando.

Attorneys for Greenberg say a plea could take place by May 15, the Orlando Sentinel reported. That's the deadline to work out a deal.

Greenberg had been scheduled to stand trial in June. He did not appear in court on Thursday. It was not made clear which charges he would plead.

It is a significant step in the case and signals that Greenberg could potentially serve as a witness in the Justice Department's investigation into Gaetz. A lawyer for Greenberg said after the hearing, "I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today." Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. 

Greenberg-Gaetz-getty

Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg (left0 and Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz (right).

Greenberg is facing charges of stalking a political opponent and sex trafficking of a minor. He was then caught violating his nightly curfew earlier this month after bonding out because he left Central Florida to see his wife in Jupiter, an incident report revealed.

RELATED: Former Seminole County Tax Collector indicted on 21 more charges

Now, after the release of a new indictment last month, Greenberg faces 21 more federal charges, bringing the total number of federal charges he faces to 33. 

RELATED: Former President Trump responds to report that Rep. Matt Gaetz asked for pardon

The charges include embezzling more than $400,000 from the Tax Collectors office for personal use, buying himself cryptocurrency to operate a business selling cryptocurrency mining machines. He also purchased personal items, like autographed Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan memorabilia.

Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Florida news.