In Matt Gaetz Scandal, Circumstances Left Teen Vulnerable to Exploitation Highlight

Several years later, Mr. Greenberg came under investigation for trying to undermine a political opponent in an upcoming election by mailing fake letters to the school where the opponent worked as a teacher, claiming that the opponent had sexual relations with a student.

As part of that investigation, the Justice Department learned about Mr. Greenberg’s relationship with the 17-year-old girl, leading the authorities to broaden their inquiry into Mr. Gaetz and others.