Two women have come forward with significant allegations before the House Ethics Committee, stating they were compensated for “sexual favors” by former Representative Matt Gaetz.
One woman reported witnessing Gaetz engaging in a sexual act with her underage friend in 2017. This testimony adds a serious dimension to the ethical concerns surrounding Gaetz, amidst his impending nomination as Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump.
Despite these allegations, Gaetz has consistently denied any misconduct. Lawyer Joel Leppard, representing the women, mentioned that the clients testified about receiving payments from Gaetz through platforms like Venmo and PayPal from 2017 to 2019. These payments reportedly occurred during multiple events, including political functions and trips to New York and the Bahamas.
The ethics investigation was halted following Gaetz’s resignation from Congress after Trump’s nomination announcement. However, the committee is evaluating whether to release a report on their findings, with a meeting scheduled to decide on the matter. The woman who was underaged at the time of the alleged encounter has also testified about her experience with Gaetz, according to sources knowledgeable about the investigation.
The Justice Department had previously closed a criminal investigation into Gaetz without charges, despite a yearslong inquiry. This decision has been criticized by some who argue that the lack of charges does not imply innocence. Meanwhile, calls have been made for the release of the House committee’s report to ensure transparency.
Democrats and some Republicans are now urging the release of the report to scrutinize the serious allegations further. Despite the absence of criminal charges, the testimonies presented to the Ethics Committee depict a concerning scenario that continues to attract attention from various political quarters.
The allegations against Gaetz raise significant ethical questions, especially considering his prospective role as Attorney General. As the House Ethics Committee deliberates the next steps, the situation remains a focal point of political and public interest.
Source: WSVN
