Investigators in Matt Gaetz inquiry looking into Bahamas travel, sources say https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/po...y-looking-bahamas-travel-sources-say-n1263397 Federal investigators are looking into Rep. Matt Gaetz's travel to the Bahamas with women and specifically whether those women were paid to travel for sex, which could violate federal law, a law enforcement official and another person familiar with the matter said. Investigators are also looking into whether Gaetz, R-Fla., and one of his associates used the internet to search for women they could pay for sex, the sources said. Gaetz, who has not been charged with any crime, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. There has been no response to a request for comment sent to his representatives. In a statement to CBS News, which first reported that investigators were looking into a trip to the Bahamas, a spokesperson said Gaetz denies the insinuations. "Rep. Gaetz has never paid for sex, nor has he had sex with an underage girl. What began with blaring headlines about 'sex trafficking' has now turned into a general fishing exercise about vacations and consensual relationships with adults," the spokesperson said. The New York Times reported last week that the Justice Department was investigating whether Gaetz had had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and had paid for her to travel with him, citing three people briefed about the matter. Law enforcement sources have confirmed to NBC News that the investigation originated from an inquiry into someone else, Joel Micah Greenberg, who is awaiting trial on trafficking, stalking and identity fraud charges. Greenberg has pleaded not guilty. The night The Times reported its story, Gaetz said "no part of the allegations against me are true" and claimed that his family has been the victims of a $25 million extortion plot involving threats to smear his name. Gaetz said in an op-ed published Monday that he is not a criminal and that he will not be resigning. "Since I'm taking my turn under the gun, let me address the allegations against me directly. First, I have never, ever paid for sex. And second, I, as an adult man, have not slept with a 17-year-old," Gaetz wrote in the Washington Examiner. He said the "bizarre" claims were made after he "decided to take on the most powerful institutions in the Beltway."
Christine Blasey-Ford perjured herself so many times, the FBI and DOJ should be doing their jobs and investigating her. Her statements are under oath aren't they? Hell, she cannot even recall the address or the house she was in. Her friends who were supposed to be her credible witnesses do not even know who Brett Kavanaugh is and deny ever meeting him.
Sex Trafficker will be feature speaker at a pro-Trump women's event. Or as Matt calls it: "speed dating" Gaetz to be featured speaker at pro-Trump women's group event https://www.politico.com/states/flo...eaker-at-pro-trump-womens-group-event-1371835
Key figure in Matt Gaetz probe likely cooperating with federal prosecutors The federal probe looking into Gaetz grew out of the Greenberg case. https://www.politico.com/news/2021/...y-cooperating-with-federal-prosecutors-480289 The legal peril Rep. Matt Gaetz is facing appeared to increase sharply Thursday after a court hearing indicated that one of Gaetz’s close friends, former Seminole County, Fla., tax collector Joel Greenberg, is likely cooperating with federal prosecutors. The potentially ominous development for the close ally of former President Donald Trump came as prosecutors and a defense attorney for Greenberg appeared before a judge here to discuss the next steps in a recently expanded criminal case charging Greenberg with sex trafficking of a minor, as well as stalking, bribery and defrauding the pandemic-related Paycheck Protection Program. “I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today,” said Greenberg's defense attorney, Fritz Scheller, after the hearing. The federal probe looking into whether Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her travel began last year and grew out of the Greenberg investigation. "We believe this case is going to be a plea," federal prosecutor Roger Handberg said at the outset of the brief hearing. "My hope would be that it is done this month." Scheller agreed that his client is looking to deal. "I expect this case to be resolved with a plea," the defense lawyer said moments later. However, Scheller said he doubted the details of the agreement could be hashed out by the end of April. "I don't think it is realistic for the plea to be resolved this month," Scheller told the judge. The brief hearing took less than 10 minutes, and attorneys did not mention Gaetz by name. The exchange, however, strongly suggested that Greenberg is likely assisting the prosecution. The new development signals potentially serious trouble for Gaetz as prosecutors now have someone close to the congressman apparently willing to provide an insider account of his activities. Such information and perspective can be vital to provide context for the financial and travel records prosecutors are known to be scrutinizing. Greenberg, however, could have credibility problems as a witness if he takes the stand against Gaetz because the former tax collector faces separate charges of having sex with a minor and for falsely smearing a rival as a pedophile. During the hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Presnell said he would move a potential trial from June to July, in case the current discussions between Greenberg and prosecutors don't work out. But the judge seemed pleased that the case now seems unlikely to go to trial. "I also need to accommodate the possibility there's an impasse," the judge said. "Hopefully, there won't be a problem and the plea will be resolved." Presnell ordered the two sides to report back to him by May 15 on whether they have a deal. A chummy, relaxed atmosphere prevailed between prosecutors and Greenberg's attorney prior to the hearing, with lawyers for both sides at one point moving to a corner of the courtroom to confer outside the earshot of journalists sitting in the gallery. Greenberg, who’s currently in a county jail, was not on hand for the hearing Thursday. Presnell, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, said Greenberg’s presence was not required. Speaking to reporters after the court session, Scheller remained cagey about whether his client has provided information about Gaetz to federal prosecutors. But the defense lawyer said of Greenberg: "He's uniquely positioned." Scheller also said the plea talks with the government were underway before the latest indictment against Greenberg was filed last month and that those new charges came as no surprise to him and his client. Gaetz, a high-profile Trump loyalist, claimed that he’s been the victim of a brazen extortion attempt related to the investigation and is being targeted by his political enemies. However, the Republican congressman has acknowledged that he sometimes paid for travel and other expenses of women he dated, apparently giving prosecutors fodder to examine whether any of his funds went to girls who were under 18 at the time. POLITICO reported Tuesday that friends of the men say Greenberg introduced Gaetz to women Greenberg found through profiles on websites like Seeking Arrangement, which feature women looking for “sugar daddy” relationships with wealthy men. “I have never paid for sex,” Gaetz said in a text message sent to POLITICO. Paying for sex would normally be a state, not a federal, crime. However, arranging for people to cross state lines to engage in prostitution is a federal offense. Use of the internet and interstate phone calls to arrange such activity could also be charged federally, with higher penalties if minors are involved. While the details of Greenberg’s potential deal with prosecutors were not spelled out in court, such agreements typically require cooperation with the government and a promise to provide testimony against other potential defendants. In exchange, prosecutors would likely drop many of the 33 felony charges leveled against the former tax collector in a superseding indictment handed up last week. Such a move would reduce the maximum prison time Greenberg could face. In addition, his sentencing would likely be put off until after his cooperation — and potential testimony against others is complete.
Rats in the barrel are starting to eat each other...time for the GOP and Trump to throw Gaetz under the bus for road kill. wrbtrader
Nothing to see here .......... Just birds of a feather flocking together. Video emerges of Trump and Ron DeSantis meeting man being investigated for human trafficking with Matt Gaetz On Wednesday, CBS News revealed that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) went to the Bahamas in late 2018 or early 2019 with a marijuana entrepreneur and hand surgeon that ultimately triggered a sex trafficking investigation. The man, named Jason Pirozzolo, "allegedly paid for the travel expenses, accommodations, and female escorts," the report revealed. Whether the escorts were hired for sex across state or international lines is part of the investigation by the Justice Department, and it includes both Gaetz and Pirozzolo as part of that probe. A new development occurred Thursday when an old video was unearthed of then-President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump meeting Pirozzolo as they landed in Orlando in June 2019, months after the now-infamous Bahamas trip. Trump was there to launch his 2020 presidential campaign with a large rally. He, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Casey DeSantis were the only three guests waiting on the tarmac in Orlando that day. It's unknown who helped Pirozzolo score the unique opportunity to greet the president.