A federal judge has delayed the sentencing for Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector, after Greenberg plead guilty in May to multiple federal crimes including sex trafficking a minor.
Greenberg is a self-described one-time "wingman" of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R- Fla., and has been providing information to authorities that could relate to Gaetz. Federal prosecutors say they need more time to investigate the case due to the many leads Greenberg provided them.
"This is obviously not a normal situation," U.S. attorney Roger Handberg told the judge. "Mr. Greenberg is a prolific criminal."
"What investigators do is they follow up on that to try to corroborate the information that's been provided," Handberg said. Handberg added that Greenberg was “not alone” and that the unusual situation has a “number of lines of investigation” they are pursuing.
Greenberg has provided authorities with years of Venmo and Cash App transactions along with thousands of photos and videos and access to social media accounts, according to reports. Handberg has not specified what investigations Greenberg has aided. Greenberg reportedly told the Justice Department about encounters he and Gaetz had with women who were either paid or given gifts in exchange for sex.
An investigation into Gaetz has gone on since November but it remains unclear whether or not he will be charged with soliciting and having sex with a minor. Indictments of sitting congressmen are usually approved by the Attorney General.
Gaetz has denied all charges and repeatedly pointed out Greenberg is guilty of sex trafficking a 17-year-old. Gaetz is also reportedly being investigated for obstruction of justice when he called an ex-girlfriend and another potential witness in the case and discussed it with them. Gaetz denies the allegations, and the ex-girlfriend is asking prosecutors for immunity in exchange for her testimony.
Gaetz has not been charged with a crime.
Greenberg is facing a minimum of 12 years in prison, his sentence is scheduled for March 2022.
