A House Ethics Committee investigation has concluded that there is “substantial evidence” implicating former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in statutory rape, prostitution, illicit drug use, and obstruction of Congress, according to a 37-page report obtained by Politico.
The findings, which follow a yearslong probe, allege Gaetz violated House rules and both state and federal laws. These revelations come as Gaetz’s potential political future hangs in the balance, with speculation about a possible gubernatorial run in Florida or a Senate bid.
Allegations of Statutory Rape
The report’s most serious accusation involves a 2017 incident where Gaetz allegedly had sex twice with a 17-year-old girl at a party in Florida. According to the investigation:
- The girl, referred to as “Victim A,” testified that she received $400 from Gaetz after the encounter, which she understood to be payment for sex.
- She also stated that she ingested ecstasy before the encounter and observed Gaetz using cocaine that night.
- Investigators found Gaetz continued contact with the girl even after learning she was underage and later engaged in sexual activity with her after she turned 18.
While Gaetz denied knowing the girl’s age, the panel noted that statutory rape laws operate on strict liability, making ignorance of age irrelevant.
Prostitution and Exploitation
The Ethics Committee gathered testimony from multiple witnesses, including women who described being paid for sex with Gaetz. Evidence indicated that:
- Gaetz paid over $90,000 to 12 women between 2017 and 2020, often using Venmo, checks, or cash.
- Some payments were funneled through his associate Joel Greenberg, who recruited women on the website SeekingArrangement.com for sex parties.
- Gaetz allegedly used his financial influence to exploit economically vulnerable women, creating an “exploitative power imbalance.”
One woman testified that she felt “violated” when reflecting on her encounters with Gaetz, and others reported feeling coerced due to their financial dependency.
Bahamas Trip and Ethical Violations
The investigation also uncovered issues related to a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, where Gaetz joined men linked to the medical marijuana industry and six women. The report alleges that Gaetz:
- Failed to provide evidence that he paid for lodging and a private flight, violating House gift rules.
- Misrepresented the trip’s nature in documentation provided to the committee.
Obstruction of Congress
The report accused Gaetz of being uncooperative and obstructive, citing:
- His refusal to comply with multiple subpoenas for records and testimony.
- Efforts to mislead the committee, which investigators said could implicate federal laws on false statements and obstruction.
Political Implications
The Ethics Committee’s findings could severely impact Gaetz’s political aspirations. Despite the allegations, Gaetz remains a prominent ally of President-elect Donald Trump, who has historically dismissed accusations against his associates.
Gaetz resigned from Congress last month after withdrawing from consideration as Trump’s pick for attorney general. The release of the report—requiring bipartisan approval—marks a rare move by the Ethics Committee, which usually ends inquiries once a member leaves office.
Public and Legal Repercussions
The committee highlighted delays in its investigation caused by the Justice Department’s refusal to share evidence from its earlier criminal probe, which concluded without charges. The statute of limitations prevents state-level charges against Gaetz for the statutory rape allegations, though the Ethics Committee findings remain significant for public accountability.
While Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing, claiming the allegations would “be destroyed in court,” the detailed accusations present a major blow to his public image and future in politics.
COMMENTS