December 23rd 2024.
In a shocking turn of events, the House Ethics Committee has released their findings after a nearly four-year investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz. The report accuses Gaetz of engaging in sexual misconduct, including paying for sex and using illicit drugs while serving as a member of Congress.
The 37-page report, which was compiled by a bipartisan panel, includes explicit details of Gaetz's involvement in sex-filled parties and vacations from 2017 to 2020. According to the committee, Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct during his time in office, but did not violate federal sex trafficking laws. Additionally, the report found that Gaetz "knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct" the committee's investigation.
"The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct," the report stated, listing various offenses such as prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors, and obstruction of Congress.
Prior to the release of the report, Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. In a post on social media, he expressed his confusion over the accusation of prostitution, as he believed he was simply giving funds to someone he was dating and not engaging in any illegal activities.
Gaetz, who was first elected in 2017, has been embroiled in various scandals throughout his time in Washington, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of his nomination for attorney general by former President Donald Trump. He resigned from Congress last month, leaving his political future uncertain. However, Gaetz has hinted at a potential run for an open Senate seat in his home state of Florida.
The committee's report paints a damning picture of Gaetz's behavior, using numerous exhibits such as text messages, financial records, and travel receipts to document his party and drug-fueled lifestyle. The committee revealed that they had issued 29 subpoenas and contacted over two dozen witnesses in order to compile the evidence.
Among the findings, the report states that Gaetz accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging, in excess of permissible amounts during a 2018 trip to the Bahamas. Additionally, he arranged for a staffer to obtain a passport for a woman he was sexually involved with, falsely claiming she was his constituent.
Text exchanges between Gaetz and various women were also included in the report, revealing conversations about events, getaways, and parties, as well as arrangements for travel and lodging. One exchange showed Gaetz asking a woman if she had a "cute black dress" to wear, while others involved discussions about shipping goods.
The report also addressed the accusation that Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl, stating that there was no evidence he knew she was a minor at the time. However, the report revealed that Gaetz continued to communicate with her and engage in "commercial sex" even after she turned 18, which is a felony under Florida law.
Joel Leppard, the lawyer representing two women who claimed Gaetz paid them for sex, stated that the report "vindicates" his clients and proves their credibility. He also commended the committee for their transparency in releasing the comprehensive report.
There was initial opposition from Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to the release of the report. However, at least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the committee in voting to make the report public. Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Democratic member of the committee, stated that it was crucial for the public and Congress to read the findings for transparency.
In a last-ditch effort to halt the release of the report, Gaetz filed a lawsuit, claiming that the information included was "untruthful and defamatory" and would damage his reputation. However, the committee argued that they had jurisdiction over Gaetz even after his resignation from Congress.
The report also detailed the committee's investigation, which was halted for a period of time as the Justice Department conducted their own inquiry into Gaetz. Although federal prosecutors did not bring charges against him, the committee requested information from the department, but they refused to disclose any information about their investigation.
The committee then issued a subpoena, but the department only provided publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual. The report also mentioned that Gaetz was uncooperative throughout the investigation, providing minimal documentation and refusing to participate in a voluntary interview.
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