Following the Money Puts Matt Gaetz into Deeper Hot Water
The dating website Seeking Arrangement promises to match well-off "sugar daddies" with attractive "sugar babies" seeking partners who can provide them with "the finer things in life," such as "fine dinners, exotic trips and allowances. In turn, Sugar Daddies or Mommas find beautiful members to accompany them at all times."
Now those investigating the GOP Florida congressman's interactions with Joel Greenberg, the Florida pol who is in custody for federal sex trafficking charges and other crimes, are following the money. "In two late-night Venmo transactions in May 2018, Rep. Matt Gaetz sent his friend, the accused sex trafficker Joel Greenberg, $900," writes The Daily Beast. "The next morning, over the course of eight minutes, Greenberg used the same app to send three young women varying sums of money. In total, the transactions amounted to $900."
In the memo field to one of the transactions, Gaetz wrote "hit up _____," filling in the name of one recipient, whom the Daily Beast did not share because the teenager had only turned 18 less than six months before. "When Greenberg then made his Venmo payments to these three young women, he described the money as being for 'Tuition,' 'School,' and 'School.' "
These transactions are key to the investigation by the DOJ of Greenberg and Gaetz first reported by the New York Times earlier in the month. The investigation focuses on "their involvement with multiple women who were recruited online for sex and received cash payments, according to people close to the investigation and text messages and payment receipts reviewed by The New York Times."
Both Gaetz and Greenberg are linked through Venmo to this then-18-year-old woman, "who now works in the porn industry, according to a friend of the girl," the Daily Beast adds. "And on Thursday, Greenberg's attorney and prosecutors indicated during a court hearing that they expect Greenberg to strike a plea deal, likely meaning he plans to cooperate with investigators."
The Times adds that the Justice Department is also examining the question of whether Gaetz had "sex with a 17-year-old girl and whether she received anything of material value, according to four people familiar with the investigation. The sex trafficking count against Mr. Greenberg involved the same girl, according to two people briefed on the investigation."
This latest revelation came as his office released "a statement in his defense from who they claim are women working in his office - although not one of the character witnesses has put her name to the testimony," writes the Daily Mail.
The press release from the nameless women states: "During Congressman Gaetz's time in office, we have been behind the scenes every step of the way. We have staffed his meetings. We have planned his events. We have traveled with him. And we have tracked his schedule."
Calling the congressman a "principled and morally grounded leader," they add that none of them have "experienced or witnessed anything less than the utmost professionalism and respect. No hint of impropriety. No ounce of untruthfulness."
The release continues: "In our office and under Congressman Gaetz's leadership, women are not only respected, but have been encouraged time and time again to grow, achieve more, and ultimately, know our value." The women conclude that they " 'uniformly reject these allegations as false' and that Gaetz has always treated every woman in his office with respect."
On Tuesday it was announced that Gaetz will be the keynote speaker at the "Save America Summit," an event sponsored by hosted by Women for America First, a group that was heavily involved in the rally that preceded the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. "It was Women for America First that secured the permit for the gathering where former President Donald Trump delivered his address to supporters who later stormed the Capitol building," writes the Daily Beast.
The group tweeted: "Rep. Matt Gaetz has been a fearless leader in DC. Few members of Congress have been more willing than Matt to stand up & fight on behalf of President Trump & his America First Agenda. We are honored to have @RepMattGaetz speak at the #SaveAmericaSummit!"