The Department of Justice (DOJ) handed Republican Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL) a big win after a two-year probe of alleged sex trafficking involving some corrupt Florida officials.
The DOJ formally decided it will not criminally charge Gaetz in the case, finally vindicating the congressman.
The Justice Department has informed lawyers for at least one witness that it will not bring charges against Gaetz.
Gaetz and his lawyers confirmed the good news.
The congressman’s office in a statement, said, “The Department of Justice has confirmed to Congressman Gaetz’s attorneys that their investigation has concluded and that he will not be charged with any crimes.”
Gaetz’s lawyers, Marc Mukasey, and Isabelle Kirshner said in a statement:
“We have just spoken with the DOJ and have been informed that they have concluded their investigation into Congressman Gaetz and allegations related to sex trafficking and obstruction of justice and they have determined not to bring any charges against him.”
According to The Wall Street Journal:
The Justice Department’s examination of Mr. Gaetz was connected to a probe centered on Joel Greenberg, a local official in Florida who was indicted in August on sex-trafficking charges related to a girl between the ages of 14 and 17.
Mr. Greenberg pleaded guilty in 2021 to sex-trafficking involving a person under 18 years old, along with counts of wire fraud, identity theft and stalking.
He was sentenced in December to 11 years in prison.
In December, Greenberg’s lawyer trashed the DOJ in a last-ditch effort to get their client a sweetheart deal.
He tried to use alleged dirt Gaetz and others to get a reduced sentence but his information was worthless.
Greenberg’s lawyer, Fritz Scheller, said:
“Perhaps the DOJ will appoint a special counsel to address those individuals that implicate broader national concerns.
“Perhaps the DOJ are master strategists far beyond the capabilities of the undersigned.
“Or perhaps the DOJ is like Nero fiddling away as Rome burns.”
Matt Gaetz was the victim of one of the most vicious Deep State smears of all time. They falsely accused him of sex trafficking and gave leaks to the media to convict him in public opinion for no other reason than to sideline an effective anti-establishment member of Congress. https://t.co/WiNYWwqbbo
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 15, 2023
Matt Gaetz has been vindicated once and for all today. Congrats on beating these vile, desperate, swamp creatures in the deep state @mattgaetz. It’s no small feat to take the worst lie you can lay on a man and turn it into a total embarrassment of the activists who did it to you. https://t.co/CYEwJZqgMJ
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 15, 2023
BREAKING: DOJ formally decides not to charge Congressman Matt Gaetz in sex-trafficking probe. Prosecutors have been informing witnesses today of final decision by DOJ leadership after investigators recommended not moving forward back in the fall. More to come on @CNN
— Paula Reid (@PaulaReidCNN) February 15, 2023
