The Justice Department will not charge Matt Getz with sex trafficking

Department of Justice Officials say they won’t sex trafficking complaint against Florida representative Matt Getz It follows a years-long investigation into whether he violated US law by paying for sex with underage girls.

Citing “a source familiar with the matter,” CNN reported Wednesday that the department had told a witness who testified in the investigation that charges against the Florida Republican would not be forthcoming.

Mr. Getz’s investigation arose out of a separate investigation Joel GreenbergA former friend and associate of the congressman who pleaded guilty to multiple federal crimes last year and is currently serving an 11-year sentence in prison.

Greenberg pleaded guilty to six federal felonies, including sex trafficking of a minor, identity theft, racketeering, wire fraud and conspiracy to bribe a public official, according to court records.

The former Seminole County tax collector likely avoided a more significant prison sentence because of his cooperation with authorities in other criminal investigations. At Greenberg’s sentencing, his lawyer said he had cooperated and assisted prosecutors in 24 separate criminal cases, including eight filed against defendants accused of sex crimes. His lawyer also said four federal charges stemmed from Greenberg’s cooperation with authorities.

Mr. Getz has long denied any wrongdoing and said he regretted his friendship with Greenberg. In an interview with a local ABC news station last year, she said her opinion of her former friend had changed after becoming aware of his crimes.

“When I learned of some of Greenberg’s misdeeds, I deeply regretted my friendship with him,” he said. “I believe it is fair for the people of Northwest Florida to judge me based on the associations I have had and I deeply regret my association with Joel Greenberg, politically, socially and otherwise.”