US Election 2024

Matt Gaetz accused of paying women for sex, using illegal drugs in House report

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has been embroiled in a scandal after a House Ethics Committee report alleged that he paid multiple women for sex, including a 17-year-old high school girl, and used illicit drugs like cocaine and ecstasy. The 37-page report, released on Monday morning, concluded that Gaetz violated multiple Florida state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office.

According to the report, there was substantial evidence that 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 has vehemently denied these allegations, and an earlier federal investigation into the accusations ended without any charges being brought against him.

Despite Gaetz’s denials, the report alleges that he made tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women for sexual activity and/or drug use between 2017 and 2020. One of the most disturbing allegations in the report is that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old minor at a summer party in 2017, which violated Florida’s statutory rape law. The girl, referred to as “Victim A” in the report, claimed to have received $400 in cash from Gaetz, which she understood to be payment for sex. She also alleged that she was under the influence of ecstasy during the encounter and witnessed Gaetz using cocaine.

The report further alleges that Gaetz refused to comply with a subpoena demanding an interview and intentionally withheld information about a trip to the Bahamas with women. Text messages obtained by the committee show Gaetz asking women to bring drugs to their rendezvous, referring to drugs as “party favors,” “rolls,” or “vitamins.” Witnesses also claimed to have seen Gaetz using marijuana.

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The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Gaetz came to an abrupt halt after he resigned from Congress last month, following his nomination by President-elect Trump to be his attorney general. Gaetz later withdrew from consideration for the position amid GOP opposition.

While the House Ethics Committee lost jurisdiction to continue its investigation after Gaetz’s resignation, a majority of committee members believed that the findings should be released in the public interest. The report serves as a stark reminder of the allegations against Gaetz and the serious legal and ethical violations he is accused of committing.

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