Ex-Florida tax collector pleads guilty in federal court after striking cooperation deal

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Joel Greenberg stood inside a federal courtroom pleading guilty as part of a cooperation deal with prosecutors, a plane flying outside towed a banner with an ominous message to a prominent ally of the former Seminole County tax collector: “Tick tock Matt Gaetz.”

Greenberg, who resigned from the tax collector post in disgrace after his arrest last June, on Monday pleaded guilty to six felonies, including sex trafficking of a child.

Greenberg was led into court by U.S. Marshals and flanked by two attorneys. He spoke succinctly during the hearing, responding with one or two words to questions from a magistrate judge.

“Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?” Magistrate Judge Leslie R. Hoffman asked Greenberg. “I am,” he replied.

In all, Greenberg faced 33 federal charges. But prosecutors will drop the other 27 counts against him. Greenberg also pleaded guilty to identity theft, stalking, wire fraud and conspiracy to bribe a public official.

He could be sentenced to at least 12 years in prison. Greenberg will be required to register as a sex offender when he is released, according to the plea agreement.

Hoffman said Greenberg’s sentencing by District Judge Gregory A. Presnell would likely be set within 75 days. Greenberg has 14 days to file an objection to his plea deal.

Greenberg’s cooperation with federal authorities will be a factor in his sentence, and prosecutors could also seek a sentence reduction later if he continues to cooperate after sentencing.