Matt Gaetz Faces Damning Ethics Report: Allegations of Misconduct, Ab-se of Power, and Illegal Activities Revealed

The House Ethics Committee released a damning report Monday detailing years of allegations against former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). The findings stem from one of the most extensive investigations into a sitting congressman, with accusations ranging from paying a 17-year-old high school student for s-x to using illicit dr-gs such as c-caine and ecstasy. 

Despite Gaetz’s repeated denials of wrongdoing, the report paints a troubling picture of misconduct. Below are the key highlights:

Using Office for Personal Favor

The report reveals that in 2018, Gaetz used his office to secure a passport for a woman he was s-xually involved with, falsely claiming she was a constituent. Gaetz had reportedly met the woman through his associate Joel Greenberg, who is currently serving time for s-x trafficking. 

The woman needed a passport for an upcoming trip, and Gaetz instructed his chief of staff to assist her. This new allegation adds to the growing list of claims against Gaetz, underscoring how he allegedly misused his congressional powers for personal purposes.

S-xual Encounter with a Minor

The committee found substantial evidence suggesting that Gaetz had a s-xual encounter with a 17-year-old, referred to as "Victim A," at a party in 2017 when Gaetz was 35. Victim A testified that she was “certain” about the encounter, which was corroborated by other witnesses, including Greenberg. Gaetz has denied the allegation and pointed to testimony from another individual, Chris Dorworth, who claimed not to have been at the party.

However, cell phone records contradicted Dorworth’s statement, showing he was indeed present at the event. The committee ultimately found Victim A’s testimony more credible, noting that her recollection of the encounter was clear.

Drug Use and Explicit Text Messages

Text messages obtained by the committee showed Gaetz arranging trips with multiple women, during which he asked about obtaining “party favors,” a reference to illegal drugs.

Screenshots revealed exchanges between Gaetz and two women he paid to accompany him to New York City in January 2019. Gaetz allegedly sent money to these women to compensate them for s-xual activities during the trip. The evidence adds to long-standing allegations of Gaetz’s involvement in drug-fueled parties and inappropriate relationships.

Department of Justice Non-Cooperation

The Ethics Committee repeatedly sought cooperation from the Department of Justice (DOJ), which had previously investigated Gaetz for s-x trafficking but declined to press charges. The DOJ refused to share key evidence, citing internal policies. 

This lack of cooperation hindered the Ethics Committee’s ability to obtain critical testimony from women involved with Gaetz, many of whom were reluctant to relive their experiences. Despite this, the committee managed to compile substantial evidence from other sources, including text messages and witness statements.

Legal Challenge and Report Release

Ahead of the report’s release, Gaetz filed a lawsuit to block its publication, arguing that the Ethics Committee no longer had jurisdiction over him since he had resigned from Congress. However, the court dismissed the case as moot after the report was made public.

In his defense, Gaetz claimed the allegations were baseless and would not hold up in court, stating that he had engaged in “embarrassing, though not criminal” behavior in the past.

Implications of the Report

The release of the report marks the culmination of years of investigation into Gaetz’s conduct. While the DOJ declined to pursue charges, the Ethics Committee’s findings provide a detailed account of alleged abuses of power, illicit activities, and unethical behavior.

Gaetz’s legal team criticized the report’s release, calling it unprecedented and procedurally flawed. However, the findings highlight significant concerns about how Gaetz may have exploited his position for personal gain.

The Ethics Committee’s report raises serious questions about accountability and the abuse of power by elected officials. As more details come to light, the scandal surrounding Gaetz underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in public office.