Former Congressman Matt Gaetz faces damning testimony in House Ethics Committee investigation, as witness claims to have seen him having sex with a minor.
At a Glance
- Woman testifies to witnessing Gaetz having sex with a minor at a 2017 Florida party
- Justice Department declined to charge Gaetz, but Ethics Committee investigation continues
- Gaetz denies allegations, calling them a “false smear”
- Gaetz’s resignation from Congress complicates the ongoing ethics probe
- Some senators demand Ethics Committee report before confirming Gaetz to cabinet position
Testimony in Gaetz Ethics Investigation
A woman has come forward with explosive testimony to the House Ethics Committee, claiming she witnessed former Congressman Matt Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor at a Florida party in 2017. This bombshell allegation has reignited scrutiny of Gaetz, who recently resigned from Congress after being nominated by former President Trump to lead the Department of Justice.
“My client testified to the House Ethics Committee that she witnessed Rep. Gaetz having sex with a minor at a house party in Orlando in 2017,” stated attorney Joel Leppard, representing the witness. Leppard emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, “The American people deserve to know the truth about the person slated to become the top law enforcement officer in the country.”
Gaetz Denies Allegations, Claims Political Motivation
Gaetz has vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated slander. “These allegations are invented and would constitute false testimony to Congress,” Gaetz declared, pushing back against the damaging claims. The former congressman’s denial comes amid a complex web of allegations and investigations that have dogged him in recent years.
Justice Department Declines to Charge, Ethics Committee Persists
While the Justice Department previously decided not to charge Gaetz, the House Ethics Committee has maintained its separate investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct. This persistence raises questions about the nature and extent of the evidence against Gaetz, and why the Ethics Committee continues to pursue the matter despite the DOJ’s decision.
The ongoing ethics probe is further complicated by Gaetz’s resignation from Congress, which technically ends the committee’s jurisdiction over him. However, with Gaetz now poised for a potential cabinet position, some senators are demanding the release of the Ethics Committee’s findings before considering his confirmation.
Connection to Joel Greenberg Case
The allegations against Gaetz are intertwined with the case of Joel Greenberg, a former tax official and one-time associate of Gaetz. Greenberg pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking, and admitted to recruiting women for commercial sex acts. His plea deal notably involved a woman who claimed Gaetz had sex with her while she was a minor.
