Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz will not face legal repercussions in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, local law enforcement and federal agencies have cited the expiration of the statute of limitations as the reason no charges will be filed.
The allegations against Gaetz were detailed in a 37-page report released by the House Ethics Committee. The document accuses him of paying for sex and drugs, acts that would have violated state laws. Despite these claims, no legal actions are forthcoming.
Gaetz faced accusations of engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old girl during parties hosted in Florida. One such gathering allegedly took place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orange County. Witness testimony suggests that the then-35-year-old had sexual encounters with multiple women, including the minor.
Local law enforcement, including the Orange and Seminole County Sheriff's Offices, announced they would not pursue charges. They explained that the time allowed under the statute of limitations to file such cases had passed.
Investigations into the allegations were initially delayed due to an ongoing federal probe. The Justice Department had been examining Gaetz’s connection to his associate, Joel Greenberg, who was convicted on multiple charges.
Greenberg, a former Seminole County Tax Collector, pleaded guilty to charges including underage sex trafficking and identity theft. He is now serving a federal prison sentence. Despite Greenberg’s conviction, no federal charges were brought against Gaetz.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office deferred the matter to local law enforcement. However, the legal window for action had already expired by the time local agencies were in a position to investigate.
Both Orange and Seminole County officials stated their hands were tied due to the legal deadline. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office: “Due to the statute of limitations, they are not investigating or charging him.”
Gaetz has categorically denied all allegations against him. He maintains that the accusations outlined in the House Ethics Committee report are baseless and untrue.
He also faced criticism over allegations of using tens of thousands of dollars for illicit activities. The committee’s findings suggested that these funds were spent on drugs and paying for sex. However, no charges have ever materialized from these claims.
Gaetz’s political career has seen other controversies, including his brief nomination as U.S. Attorney General during Donald Trump’s presidency. He ultimately withdrew from consideration for the position.
The allegations and subsequent investigations have drawn widespread attention, but the expiration of the statute of limitations effectively ends any potential legal fallout for Gaetz. Both local and federal authorities have closed their cases. Despite the gravity of the claims, Gaetz remains adamant in his denial, calling the accusations “false.”
