Ex-Seminole County tax collector expected to be arraigned on new charges involving financial crimes

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is expected to be arraigned on new charges, involving financial crimes while he was in office.

It comes after Channel 9 learned a plea deal was in the works. It’s unclear whether the deal will require Greenberg to cooperate with the investigation into his friend, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Greenberg, who remains behind bars for violating his bond conditions in February after he traveled to Jupiter, Florida to find his wife, was not in court Thursday for his status hearing.

READ: Attorney for ex-Seminole County tax collector says plea deal in the works

Both federal prosecutors and Greenberg’s attorney Fritz Scheller told the judge they hope to have a plea deal worked out by May 15.

Federal prosecutor Roger Handberg would also not say if a potential Greenberg plea would involve testifying against Gaetz.

Gaetz is under investigating for allegations he sexually trafficked a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz denies those allegations and has not been charged.

READ: New documents detail deputy run-ins with former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg

Scheller was coy when asked if Greenberg is still talking to Gaetz.

“In any case I have, if there is other potential co-defendants I preclude my clients from talking to them,” Scheller said.

It has long been reported Greenberg and Gaetz are good friends.

READ: Federal investigation into Greenberg possibly tied to Gaetz probe

Eyewitness News anchor Greg Warmoth sat down one-on-one with State Rep. Anna Eskamani to talk about one example of their friendship she received in a voicemail.

The following is what was heard on the voicemail:

“My Anna, this is your favorite tax collector. I’m up in the panhandle with your favorite U.S. Congressman Mr. Gates. Hi Anna. And we were just chatting about you and talking about your lovely qualities, and we think you’re the future of the Democratic Party in Florida. I know you’re the future of it. So there’s no thinking involved anyway. If you get this and you feel like chatting, give me a shout back, hope you’re well.”

READ: Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg faces new charges related to pandemic loans

A group that referred to themselves as “the woman of the office of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz” released a statement.

The group said at no time have they experience or witnessed anything less than the utmost professionalism and respect. They also said that they reject the allegations as false.

Gaetz denies all allegations and he has not been charged with anything.

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Cox Media Group