The House Ethics Committee has released a damning report following its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use by former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz. The comprehensive inquiry uncovered substantial evidence suggesting that Gaetz engaged in sexual activities with a 17-year-old girl in 2017, regularly paid women for sex during his tenure in Congress, and used illegal drugs on multiple occasions. The report further revealed that Gaetz accepted gifts that exceeded permissible amounts and facilitated the transportation of women across state lines for commercial sex purposes.
The investigation into Gaetz's alleged activities was extensive, encompassing 29 subpoenas, nearly 14,000 documents, over two dozen witnesses, six Freedom of Information Act requests, and nine additional requests for information. Despite Gaetz's resignation from Congress in mid-November 2022 and subsequent withdrawal from consideration for U.S. attorney general, the committee pursued its inquiry vigorously.
The committee's findings indicate that Gaetz did not initially know the victim's age when they engaged in sexual activity. It was disclosed that he learned of her age a month later. Nonetheless, the Ethics Committee emphasized:
"statutory rape is a strict liability crime" – House Ethics Committee
Gaetz reportedly met the young woman again for commercial sex less than six months later, after she turned 18. The report also highlights evidence suggesting that Gaetz used illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, between 2017 and 2019. Moreover, he accepted gifts such as a 2018 trip to the Bahamas that exceeded permissible amounts.
In a written communication provided to the committee, Joel Greenberg, a Gaetz associate who pleaded guilty to federal crimes including sex trafficking of a minor girl, implicated Gaetz further.
The committee noted:
"Representative Gaetz has 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." – House Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee found that Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women, likely in connection with sexual activities and drug use between 2017 and 2020. Among these revelations was the finding that Gaetz caused the transportation of women across state lines for commercial sex purposes.
The investigation faced challenges regarding its public release. While the committee deadlocked on whether to release the report after Gaetz's resignation from Congress, it ultimately became public following a federal court decision denying Gaetz's attempt to block its release.
In response to the report's release, Gaetz expressed his dissatisfaction with the process, stating:
"There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses." – Matt Gaetz
Despite the committee's findings, Gaetz remained defiant about specific allegations, notably asserting:
"I have not had sex with a 17-year-old since I was 17" – Matt Gaetz
The report's release has drawn significant attention to the former congressman's actions while serving in Congress. The committee's conclusion underscores the gravity of the allegations:
"Representative Gaetz has acted in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House." – House Ethics Committee
Leave a Reply