Embattled ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was allegedly discovered to have paid a number of girls—together with a 17-year-old highschool scholar—for intercourse and to have consumed unlawful medication whereas in workplace, in response to a report from his former friends.
Investigators discovered that Gaetz allegedly violated a number of state legal guidelines associated to sexual misconduct whereas in workplace. The Committee launched the 37-page report Monday, at the same time as Gaetz sought a restraining order.
The committee experiences talking with greater than a half-dozen witnesses who attended numerous events and journeys with Gaetz between 2017 and 2020, when he was representing Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
“Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz,” the panel’s report reads.
Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. In a Wednesday publish to the social media platform X, the previous consultant stated that he “NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18.” In the identical message, he additionally made the eyebrow-raising admission that he “often sent funds to women I dated—even some I never dated but who asked.”
“My 30’s were an era of working very hard—and playing hard too,” Gaetz added. “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.”
x
The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I dedicated numerous crimes.
I used to be charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a marketing campaign finance violation. And the folks investigating me hated me.
Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible had been…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 18, 2024
In keeping with CNN, the ethics panel reviewed transactions Gaetz made—usually utilizing cellular cost service apps, together with PayPal or Venmo—to over a dozen girls.
“From 2017 to 2020, Representative Gaetz made tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use,” reads the report, which lists over $90,000 in funds to 12 girls.
Investigators additionally zeroed in on a 2018 journey to the Bahamas, which they stated “violated the House gift rule.” On this journey, in response to investigators, Gaetz “engaged in sexual activity” with 4 girls, together with one who stated that the journey was “the payment” for intercourse. Gaetz additionally took ecstasy in the course of the Bahamas rendezvous, one attendee advised the Home panel.
As well as, the report stated that investigators acquired testimony from a 17-year-old woman who alleged that Gaetz had intercourse together with her twice at a 2017 social gathering. The sufferer stated that she had simply accomplished her junior 12 months of highschool and recalled receiving $400 in money from Gaetz that night “which she understood to be payment for sex.”
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix.
“Victim A said that she did not inform Representative Gaetz that she was under 18 at the time, nor did he ask her age,” the report learn.
All the girls who testified stated that their sexual encounters with Gaetz had been consensual, however one complained that the medication could have “impair[ed their] ability to really know what was going on or fully consent,” in response to CBS’ evaluation of the report.
“When I look back on certain moments, I feel violated,” one other girl advised the committee.
The probe into Gaetz reportedly didn’t discover enough proof to conclude that he violated federal intercourse trafficking statutes. Though he allegedly transported girls throughout state strains for the aim of intercourse, they had been all 18 or older on the time.
The discharge of the report could lastly bring to a halt Gaetz’s incendiary tenure on Capitol Hill. The firebrand Freedom Caucus conservative, a vocal supporter of Trump, was a thorn within the facet of Home management and his fellow Republicans.
As soon as there, he stated that he would drive a vote on a decision to tear the lid off secretive “Me Too” settlements made by present and former lawmakers utilizing taxpayer {dollars}.
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Somebody urged the next plan to me:
1. Present up 1/3/2025 to congress2. Take part in Speaker election (I used to be elected to the 119th Congress, in spite of everything…)3. Take the oath 4. File a privileged movement to show each “me too” settlement paid utilizing public funds (even of…
— Former Congressman Matt Gaetz (@FmrRepMattGaetz) December 18, 2024
It’s additionally potential that Gaetz will make his return to the political world in 2026. Gaetz has hinted that he may run to be Florida’s subsequent governor.
Learn the complete report on Gaetz right here.
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