A House Ethics Committee report alleges that former Representative Matt Gaetz engaged in serious misconduct while in office, including paying for sex with multiple women, one of whom was allegedly underage, and using illicit drugs. The 37-page report concludes that Gaetz violated House rules, state and federal laws, and standards of conduct related to prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, accepting improper gifts, granting special favors, and obstructing Congress.
The report details allegations of Gaetz making tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women, potentially linked to sexual activity and drug use. One specific incident described involves a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl in 2017, which the committee concludes violated Florida's statutory rape law, regardless of whether Gaetz knew her age. The report also states that Gaetz attempted to obstruct the investigation by deflecting, deterring, and misleading the committee.
The report further claims that Gaetz refused to comply with a subpoena for an interview and withheld information about a trip to the Bahamas with women. Allegations of drug use include claims of Gaetz using cocaine and ecstasy, as well as providing drugs to women, referring to them as "party favors," "rolls," or "vitamins." Witness testimony also suggests Gaetz used marijuana.
Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after being nominated for Attorney General by then President-elect Trump, a position he later declined. His resignation ended the committee's jurisdiction over the investigation. However, the committee decided to release the report in the public interest, despite Gaetz's lawsuit attempting to block its publication.
