House Ethics Committee Unveils Investigative Findings on Matt Gaetz
Updated on: December 23, 2024 / 8:49 AM EST / CBS News
The House Ethics Committee has released a comprehensive report detailing serious allegations against former Congressman Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican. The report alleges that Gaetz engaged in multiple instances of misconduct while serving in Congress, including paying for sex with a minor and using illegal drugs.
According to the report, Gaetz is found to have made numerous payments to women for sex and drugs between 2017 and 2020. The committee established that the former representative paid a 17-year-old girl for sexual services, a charge that, under Florida law, qualifies as statutory rape. The findings concluded that there is substantial evidence indicating that Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct, including illicit drug use and obstruction of Congress.
The 37-page report outlines various infractions, highlighting allegations of parties and travel fueled by drugs and sex, with payments totaling more than $90,000 made to at least a dozen women. One alarming account reveals that Gaetz had sexual relations with one young woman at a party and provided her with $400, which she perceived as payment for sex.
Legal proceedings related to the report appear to be ongoing, as Gaetz has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to prevent its release, asserting that as a private citizen, he is no longer subject to the committee’s jurisdiction. The committee had initially voted to keep the report confidential but reversed this decision following a recent vote.
Despite the serious allegations, Gaetz has continually denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the accusations are politically motivated and a smear campaign led by his adversaries. He has stated that the claims against him have been thoroughly investigated and have not led to any criminal charges.
This report culminates a lengthy investigation which began after the Department of Justice formally looked into Gaetz’s conduct, resulting in no charges being filed against him. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the allegations and the implications for Gaetz’s political future remain critical as he attempts to pivot his career towards broadcasting.
It is clear that Gaetz’s political and personal legacy faces substantial challenges moving forward, particularly with the public release of this ethics report.
