The House Ethics Committee released a report Monday summarizing its investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress days before the report was expected to become public. The document details disturbing allegations, including claims of sexual misconduct involving a minor and payments for sex at private events.
According to the report, a woman testified to the committee that she witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with her 17-year-old friend at a party in Florida in 2017. At the time, Gaetz was serving as a member of the House of Representatives.
Two other women also alleged that Gaetz paid them for sex. One of them claimed that she was paid to attend an exclusive, invitation-only party where she observed Gaetz paying for sex. Both women were of legal age during their encounters with Gaetz, according to their lawyer.
The report highlights accusations of Gaetz’s involvement in illegal activities, including soliciting prostitution in Florida, where the practice is illegal.
Leading up to the report’s release, Gaetz consistently denied all allegations of misconduct. He pointed to the conclusion of a separate Department of Justice investigation into sex trafficking allegations, which ended without charges.
Gaetz also sought a temporary restraining order earlier Monday to prevent the Ethics Committee from releasing the report, though his efforts were unsuccessful.
While Gaetz has vacated his congressional seat, the allegations outlined in the Ethics Committee report have added another layer of controversy to his political career. The detailed accusations could prompt further legal scrutiny or civil consequences, even after the conclusion of the Justice Department’s probe.
