In a shocking report released on December 23, the House Ethics Committee unveiled serious allegations against former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz. The 42-page document, shared in full by CNBC, reveals “significant evidence” that Gaetz engaged in sexual relations with an underage girl and “frequently” paid women for sex during his time in Congress. Additionally, the report indicates that Gaetz used illegal substances, such as cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions and accepted unauthorized benefits, including a trip to the Bahamas.
The committee’s findings state, “Rep. Gaetz has acted in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House.” The investigation concluded that Gaetz violated various House regulations, as well as state and federal laws related to prostitution, statutory rape, unlawful drug use, and the acceptance of unapproved gifts. Although the report determined there was insufficient evidence to establish that Gaetz violated federal sex-trafficking statutes, it noted he “did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex.”
Among the troubling details, the inquiry documented an incident from July 2017, where Gaetz allegedly had sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl, referred to as “Victim A.” The report stated that Gaetz paid the minor $400 that evening, which she perceived as compensation for the sexual encounter. Furthermore, the committee dismissed Gaetz’s previous claims that he had not engaged with a minor since he was 17, deeming them untrue and in violation of Florida statutes.
In response to the allegations, Gaetz took to Twitter to deny wrongdoing, questioning the committee’s findings. “Giving funds to someone you are dating, that they didn’t ask for, and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he tweeted. He criticized the timing of the report’s release, suggesting it was strategically published to undermine him during the holiday season, and noted that he had sought a federal court intervention to block the report’s publication, to no avail.
The Ethics Committee’s investigation, which began in 2021, involved extensive efforts, including 29 subpoenas, nearly 14,000 documents, and testimonies from over two dozen witnesses. The investigation was also temporarily halted while the Department of Justice pursued its inquiries into sex-trafficking allegations. Notably, the credibility of Joel Greenberg, a former associate of Gaetz and a convicted sex trafficker, was questioned, though the committee clarified that its conclusions were not solely based on his testimony.
Gaetz’s political career has faced significant turmoil, culminating in his resignation from Congress in mid-November. This came shortly after he was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney General, a nomination he withdrew just eight days later, citing a desire not to detract from Trump’s transition efforts.
As the fallout from these revelations continues, the implications for Gaetz and his political future remain uncertain, highlighting the serious issues surrounding ethics and accountability in public office.
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