The long-awaited House Ethics Committee report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz has finally been released, and it’s packed with scandalous allegations. From claims of sex with an underage girl to drug-fueled parties, this report paints a shocking picture of the Florida Republican’s alleged misconduct. Let’s dive into the key findings.
- Report details allegations of sex with a minor.
- Gaetz allegedly paid women for sexual activity and drug use.
- Committee found evidence of ‘transactional relationships’ between Gaetz and the women.
- Gaetz reportedly obstructed the investigation.
- Justice Department allegedly refused to cooperate with the committee.
Gaetz’s Alleged ‘Sex-for-Money’ Scheme
The committee’s report details how Gaetz allegedly spent tens of thousands of dollars on women between 2017 and 2020, using online services like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp, as well as cash and checks. These payments were reportedly linked to sexual activity and drug use. Text messages suggest Gaetz understood the ‘transactional nature’ of these relationships, with women reporting a ‘general expectation of sex’ when they met with him. It was also noted that one of the women he paid was in a long-term relationship with him, indicating that not all the payments may have been of illicit nature.
Drug-Fueled Parties and Getaways
The report alleges that Gaetz would ask women to bring drugs to their meetings. Furthermore, it suggests that these encounters weren’t just confined to Florida. Gaetz allegedly traveled with these women to events, getaways, and parties, arranging for their flights and lodging. This included one incident where Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who previously pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges, connected with women through an online service and then suggested that they could meet up with Gaetz. Greenberg reportedly said “He understands the deal,” referencing Gaetz being aware of the transactional nature of their meeting.
Shocking Allegations of Sex with a Minor
One of the most disturbing findings is the claim that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl at a party in July 2017. The committee received what they deemed as ‘credible testimony’ from the woman herself and other individuals who corroborated the allegation. The woman stated she received $400 in cash as payment for sex that night. While there’s no evidence to indicate that Gaetz knew she was underage at the time of their first encounter, the report claims he continued to meet with her for ‘commercial sex’ even after learning her age.
Gaetz’s Refusal to Cooperate
The committee authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. Gaetz, however, refused to cooperate with the investigation. Despite claiming to possess evidence that would exonerate him, he failed to provide any of it. Instead, he is accused of obstructing the investigation, trying to ‘deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee’. In one instance, Gaetz refused to share receipts of his return flight from a trip to the Bahamas with a group of women, an expense that may have violated House gift rules.
The Justice Department’s Non-Cooperation
The Justice Department’s lack of cooperation with the committee significantly delayed the probe, lawmakers said. Initially, they deferred their work at the Justice Department’s request. When the committee resumed the investigation after the DOJ ended its own probe without charges, it was met with further resistance. The Justice Department refused to provide the committee with any records about the case, claiming it didn’t disclose information about investigations that don’t result in charges. Furthermore, they only handed over publicly available information about a deceased individual. This refusal to cooperate has led the committee to conclude that the Justice Department has ‘provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee’.
The accusations against Gaetz are serious and paint a picture of a congressman entangled in sexual misconduct and drug-related activities. This report further strains the trust in politicians and the system that allows for such actions to take place. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
