Gaetz Report: Ethics Committee Details Explosive Allegations of Statutory Rape and Misconduct

Gaetz Report: The bipartisan House Ethics Committee on Monday released a damning report concluding its yearslong investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz.

The investigation uncovered “substantial evidence” that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old in 2017, in violation of Florida’s statutory rape law, and revealed a broader pattern of misconduct, including paying women for sex, illegal drug use, and obstructing the investigation.

Gaetz Report: Allegations of Statutory Rape and Exploitation

Central to the Ethics Committee’s findings in the Gaetz report was testimony from a woman identified as “Victim A,” who alleged that Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17 and paid her $400.

Victim A, who had just completed high school, testified that the payment was understood as compensation for the sexual encounter.

Corroborating testimonies from other witnesses bolstered her claims.

Despite Gaetz’s assertions that the allegations were fabricated, the committee reported no reason to doubt Victim A’s credibility.

The investigation revealed that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz spent nearly $100,000 on 12 women and Joel Greenberg, a former associate who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking Victim A in 2021.

While all women described their encounters with Gaetz as consensual, one raised concerns about drug use impairing their ability to fully consent.

The Gaetz report criticized the former Congressman for exploiting the economic vulnerability of young women, stating, “Such behavior is not ‘generosity to ex-girlfriends,’ and it does not reflect creditably upon the House.”

Broader Misconduct

The Ethics Committee’s Gaetz report detailed additional allegations against the former Congressman, including:

• Illegal drug use at parties and events.
• Acceptance of improper gifts.
• Granting special favors to personal associates.
• Obstruction of the investigation by withholding documents and refusing to comply with subpoenas.

The committee accused Gaetz of deflecting and misleading investigators, undermining claims that he intended to cooperate.

Legal and Political Fallout

Ahead of the disclosure of the Gaetz report, the Justice Department had last year declined to charge him after its own investigation into similar allegations.

However, the Ethics Committee’s findings have intensified scrutiny of his actions.

On the same day the report was released, Gaetz filed a lawsuit against the committee, claiming it lacked jurisdiction over him as a private citizen.

He sought to block the report’s release, arguing it would cause irreparable harm to his reputation.

“The threatened release of information believed to be defamatory…constitutes irreparable harm that cannot be adequately remedied through monetary damages,” Gaetz stated in his filing.

Controversy Over the Gaetz Report’s Release

Gaetz’s resignation from Congress in November 2024 to avoid a contentious Senate confirmation process for the role of Attorney General in the Trump administration spurred a debate over the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction.

Traditionally, investigations are dropped once a member resigns, but a majority of the committee voted to release the report.

Chairman Michael Guest, representing dissenting members, argued that the committee lost jurisdiction after Gaetz’s resignation.

However, he acknowledged the report’s findings, stating, “We do not dispute the facts presented but question the appropriateness of their release at this time.”

Gaetz’s Response

In a social media post, Gaetz denied the allegations, attributing his past behavior to youthful indiscretions.

“I probably partied, womanized, drank, and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now,” he wrote.

He maintained that he never had sexual contact with minors and criticized the report for denying him an opportunity to rebut the findings.

Extensive Investigation

The committee conducted over two dozen interviews, issued 29 subpoenas, and reviewed 14,000 documents during its probe.

Written testimony from Greenberg, a key figure in the case, was scrutinized due to credibility concerns.

While the committee found no substantial evidence that Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws, it determined that he violated House rules prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and obstruction of Congress.

Looking Ahead

The release of the Ethics Committee’s findings marks a significant chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of Matt Gaetz.

With his political future uncertain, the allegations continue to reverberate through Washington, highlighting concerns over accountability and ethical conduct among public officials.

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