Former Republican Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, the target of a House Ethics Committee probe, launched a last-minute lawsuit to try to prevent the release of a report that is likely to end any future political career Gaetz might have had – assuming the findings of the report are accurate. Details had already been leaked to the media and the full report was published on Dec. 23.
According to evidence and witness testimony gathered by the Ethics Committee, the former congressman paid multiple women for sex – including one who was 17 years old at the time – over the course of several years while he was in office. He is also alleged to have used illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, and accepted “improper” during his time in Congress.
Gaetz resigned from Congress right after incoming President Donald Trump tapped him for the position of Attorney General. Shortly afterward, Gaetz declined Trump’s nomination but also stated that he would not be returning to Congress in January.
Previously, the Department of Justice had investigated allegations made against the then-congressman but declined to bring charges. Gaetz has always denied any wrongdoing. His attorney argues that, since Gaetz has resigned from Congress, the Ethics Committee has overstepped its authority by publishing the report of its investigation.
During its probe, the committee heard from multiple witnesses, including people who claimed to have seen the former congressman using illicit drugs and several women who said they were paid to have sex with Gaetz.
