Matt Gaetz Accused of Engaging in Sexual Activity with Underage Girl During Congressional Tenure
In a shocking revelation, the House Ethics Committee announced on Monday that it had uncovered “substantial evidence” indicating that former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl in 2017. Additionally, the committee’s final report revealed that Gaetz had a pattern of paying women for sex while serving as a member of Congress. The report also detailed Gaetz’s use of illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, between 2017 and 2019, as well as his acceptance of gifts that exceeded permissible amounts.
Details of the Allegations
According to the report, Gaetz, who was 35 years old at the time, attended a party on July 15, 2017, where he had sexual encounters with multiple women, including the underage girl, referred to as “Victim A.” The report indicated that Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with the girl on two separate occasions during the party, including in front of others. Victim A recalled receiving $400 from Gaetz, which she understood to be payment for sex. The committee concluded that Gaetz’s actions constituted statutory rape, a violation of Florida law and ethical standards for government officials.
Despite Gaetz’s claims that he had not engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old since he was 17 himself, the committee determined that he had indeed violated the law and ethics codes. The report highlighted Gaetz’s lack of awareness of the victim’s age until after their initial encounter but emphasized that statutory rape is a strict liability crime.
Connections to Joel Greenberg
The investigation into Gaetz’s misconduct involved extensive documentation, witness testimonies, and communications from Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector and Gaetz associate who pleaded guilty to federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a minor. Greenberg, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison, provided crucial information about Gaetz’s involvement in parties with young women and the procurement of drugs and accommodations.
Gaetz and Greenberg’s association, which began shortly after Gaetz assumed office in 2017, was marked by a shared involvement in parties organized through a “sugar dating” website. Greenberg revealed that he and Gaetz often funded the expenses related to these gatherings, including drugs, hotels, and payments to women.
The committee acknowledged Greenberg’s credibility issues but stressed that their findings were not solely based on his testimony.
In conclusion, the House Ethics Committee’s report sheds light on the troubling behaviors exhibited by Matt Gaetz during his tenure in Congress, raising serious questions about his conduct and ethical standards as a public servant. The allegations of engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl and paying for sex have cast a shadow over Gaetz’s political career, prompting further scrutiny and calls for accountability.
