The woman at the center of the Justice Department’s investigation into sex trafficking allegations on Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, told the House Ethics Committee the former congressman had sex with her when she was underage.
According to sources familiar with the investigation consulted by ABC News, the woman, now in her 20s, told the committee Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17 years old, while still in high school. The DOJ had previously conducted a years-long investigation on the matter, but decided not to bring charges. However, The Ethics Committee is still investigating the allegations.
Trump announced Gaetz’s appointment to the top law enforcement role just days before the House Ethics Committee was reportedly preparing to finalize its findings. Gaetz immediately resigned from Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently said he would “strongly request” that the House Ethics Committee not release a report on its investigation on Gaetz, according to the Washington Post.
The case against Gaetz gained momentum with testimony from Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector and associate of Gaetz, who pleaded guilty in 2021 to federal charges, including sex trafficking involving the same woman. According to Greenberg’s plea agreement, he introduced her to other adult men, including Gaetz, for commercial sex acts when she was underage.
The woman, subpoenaed by the committee earlier this year, testified that Gaetz was one of the individuals that Greenberg introduced to her. Additional witnesses corroborated her claims, some testifying about attending parties hosted by Greenberg and Gaetz where drugs, including cocaine, were present.
Subpoenas issued to Venmo and the Department of Justice have provided financial records central to the investigation. Witnesses claim that payments from Gaetz, facilitated through Venmo, were made in exchange for sex or attendance at these parties.
Gaetz has strongly claimed his innocence.
“These allegations are invented and would constitute false testimony to Congress,” Gaetz said in response to ABC News’ reporting. “This false smear following a three-year criminal investigation should be viewed with great skepticism.”
Some GOP congressmen have confirmed that Gaetz had sex with a minor.
“I serve with some real scumbags. Look, Matt Gaetz, he paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties,” Rep. Tony Gonzales said on CNN in April . Gonzales had a feud with Gaetz for supporting his primary challenger Brandon Herrera.
In addition, GOP members expressed courteous doubts and concerns over Gaetz nomination for AG.
“We wanted him out of the House … this isn’t what we were thinking,” a House Republican on condition of anonymity told Axios.
Other House members pointed out that many GOP Senators are disgusted by Gaetz nomination.
“Gaetz has a better shot at having dinner with Queen Elizabeth II than being confirmed by the senate,” said Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio). Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022.
