Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz faces serious accusations that could potentially reshape his political future.
According to Fox News, a newly released House Ethics Committee report accuses Gaetz of paying women for sexual encounters, using illegal drugs, and engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl.
The 37-page report, released Monday morning, details multiple violations of Florida state laws related to sexual misconduct while Gaetz was in office. The committee's investigation uncovered substantial evidence suggesting the former representative violated House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct involving prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and acceptance of impermissible gifts.
The committee's report reveals that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz allegedly made tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women for sexual activities and drug use. One particularly serious allegation involves a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl at a summer 2017 party. The report indicates that the minor, identified as "Victim A," received $400 in cash from Gaetz, which she understood as payment for sexual services.
The committee notes that while the sexual encounter violated Florida's statutory rape law, they found no evidence suggesting Gaetz knew the girl was underage at the time. The report states that the encounter occurred twice during the party, with at least one instance taking place in the presence of other attendees.
Witnesses provided testimony indicating both Gaetz and the minor were under the influence of drugs during the encounter. The committee received evidence that Gaetz regularly used illegal substances, including cocaine and ecstasy.
The House Ethics Committee emphasized Gaetz's lack of cooperation throughout their investigation. According to the report:
The Committee concluded there was substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, acceptance of impermissible gifts, the provision of special favors and privileges, and obstruction of Congress.
Gaetz attempted to prevent the release of these findings by filing a lawsuit on Monday. Despite his consistent denials of wrongdoing and the conclusion of a previous federal investigation without charges, the committee found evidence of his attempts to obstruct their investigation.
The investigation's conclusion coincides with significant changes in Gaetz's political career. Last month, he resigned from Congress after President-elect Trump considered him for the attorney general position. However, Gaetz later withdrew from consideration amid growing Republican opposition.
The timing of his resignation effectively halted the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction over the matter. Despite typically not releasing findings after losing jurisdiction, committee members determined that public interest warranted the report's release.
The committee discovered text messages where Gaetz allegedly communicated with women about bringing drugs to their meetings, using code words like "party favors," "rolls," or "vitamins." Multiple witnesses confirmed observing Gaetz's marijuana use on various occasions.
Former Representative Matt Gaetz faces severe allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and obstruction detailed in a House Ethics Committee report released Monday. The investigation uncovered evidence of multiple violations, including alleged sexual activity with a minor and systematic attempts to obstruct the committee's work.
While Gaetz's resignation from Congress ended the committee's jurisdiction, the release of their findings could have lasting implications for his political future and potential legal consequences.
