Prosecutors on the Justice Division have beneficial that Rep. Matt Gaetz not be charged in reference to a intercourse trafficking investigation, sources accustomed to the case advised the Washington Submit. In accordance with the paper, the federal prosecutors concerned within the probe have suggested their superiors at DOJ that they’re anxious in regards to the credibility of two key witnesses.
In accordance with the Submit, the investigators—starting in late 2020 throughout the Trump administration—”got down to decide if the congressman paid for intercourse in violation of federal sex-trafficking legal guidelines and have examined his dealings with [a] then-17-year-old.”
Gaetz has denied wrongdoing, asserting that’s he has by no means “paid for intercourse” and has by no means been concerned with anybody underage. Earlier this 12 months, throughout testimony earlier than the Jan. 6 committee, a former Trump aide alleged that Gaetz had sought a preemptive pardon from Donald Trump, who Gaetz has vocally supported through the years.
In accordance with the Submit, the 2 witnesses in query are Gaetz’ former buddy and ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg and the then-underaged lady. Final 12 months, Greenberg pleaded responsible to youngster trafficking fees in addition to different felony fees. Authorized consultants stated that establishing Greenberg’s credibility can be an uphill battle for prosecutors, partly as a result of Greenberg beforehand admitted to fabricating related allegations towards a political opponent.
Senior DOJ officers haven’t made a closing choice on whether or not or to not cost Gaetz. However because the Submit notes, they’re unlikely to overrule the prosecutors assigned to the case.