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Matt Gaetz is off the hook! DOJ officially exonerates controversial him in human-trafficking

  • In 2021, a former tax collector for congressional representative Matt Gaetz pleaded guilty to six federal charges including human trafficking.
  • Career attorneys charging Gaetz because of credibility issues with witnesses and prosecutors' concern about testimony from the girl involved not holding up before a jury.
  • The eventually cleared Gaetz of any wrongdoing.
  • Two associates – an ex-girlfriend and a Florida radio host – became critical cooperators in the inquiry leading to no charges being filed against him.
  • Reports surfaced, suggesting Gaetz sought politics-induced protection through a presidential pardon; They confirmed this by a House investigation into the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection.
  • It will bring no criminal proceedings against Representative Matt Gaetz because of the lack of evidence found after a lengthy investigation.

After a months-long investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into allegations regarding Rep. Matt Gaetz's relationship with an underage girl and whether he violated human trafficking laws regarding her, it has gotten announced that the DOJ will not be bringing any charges against him. They communicated this to his office Wednesday after initial reports arose out of former Florida tax collector Joel Greenberg's plea agreement to six federal crimes earlier this year, including one count of human trafficking minors. They thus concluded that no further action on behalf of Mr. Gaetz need take place according to findings from the department itself.

Joel Greenberg, Florida's former tax collector, pleaded guilty in 2021 to six federal crimes, including the human trafficking of a minor. As part of his plea agreement, they sentenced him to 11 years in prison and agreed to cooperate with an ongoing investigation into congressional representative Matt Gaetz. Unfortunately, two witnesses connected to this case had credibility issues, so much so that career attorneys recommended charging Gaetz until further investigation could get conducted. Further complicating matters is prosecutors' concern about testimony from the girl involved not holding up before a jury, potentially leading to no charges being filed at all for now on representative Gaetz.

After an investigation that put several of his associates under heavy scrutiny, the Department of Justice has cleared Matt Gaetz. One such associate – Dr. Jason parasol – had reached out to a lawyer for help after about him surfaced during investigations into Gaetz's activities; luckily for all parties involved, no charges got filed and DOJ's inquiry is now over. For those affected, this conclusion likely comes as an immense relief in what must have felt like incredibly trying times!

In late 2022, indications surfaced that the DOJ's investigation into Matt Gaetz had stalled. One key signifier was prosecutors finally setting a sentencing date for Joel Greenberg after months of his cooperation regarding the probe. Two other associates linked with Gaetz became critical cooperators – an ex-girlfriend who has been associated with him since 2017 and a Florida radio host sentenced for bribery charges connected to their relationship.

Congressional representative Matt Gaetz has come under fire considering allegations he engaged in an illicit relationship with a minor. In response, the Florida representative has rejected these claims and expressed regret for his involvement with Joel Greenberg, who is currently facing criminal charges including human trafficking of a child. The Department Of Justice has gotten asked to offer its opinion on this situation while reports surface suggesting Mr. Gaetz sought politics-induced protection through then President Trump's pardon due to said circumstances as confirmed by testimony provided at the House investigation into January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection. After months of speculation and a lengthy investigation, the Department of Justice has announced that there will get no charges brought against Representative Matt Gaetz due to lack of evidence. This announcement comes as a relief for many involved in this case, including congressional representative Gaetz himself, who had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing throughout the inquiry. While questions remain surrounding his relationship with Joel Greenberg and other associates linked to him during investigations, all parties can now move on from this ordeal without fear of facing criminal prosecution. However, only time will tell if Rep. Gaetz's political career can survive past the controversy caused by these allegations or whether he will seek more permanent protection through a presidential pardon, just like those granted under former President Donald Trump's administration earlier this year.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/15/politics/matt-gaetz-justice-department/index.html

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3859721-doj-decides-not-to-charge-gaetz-in-sex-trafficking-probe/

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/doj-decides-not-charge-rep-matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-investigation-rcna70839

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PBJ Learning is a leading provider of human trafficking training, focusing on and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

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This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.

ABOUT PBJ LEARNING

PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.