Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz is facing ongoing scrutiny as the House ethics committee continues its investigation into his conduct. This follows a 2021 Justice Department probe regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The ethics committee is examining claims that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, and attempted to obstruct investigations.
Recent developments include court documents revealing affidavits from three eyewitnesses who alleged that Gaetz attended a drug-fueled party in 2017 with a 17-year-old girl involved in the allegations against him. The young girl attended a party hosted by a friend of Gaetz’s, Chris Dorworth, where drugs and sexual activities were purportedly present. One witness, identified only as K.M., claimed in her affidavit that the underage girl was naked at the event and surrounded by illicit substances.
Dorworth has denied ever meeting the minor and called her claims about Gaetz false. The ethics inquiry, which began under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and was paused for the Justice Department investigation, was reopened after prosecutors decided not to charge Gaetz earlier this year. Reports indicate that Joel Greenberg, a former associate of Gaetz who pleaded guilty to charges including sex trafficking, is cooperating with the probe.
Gaetz has maintained his innocence regarding all allegations, and his office has not yet commented on the latest revelations from the affidavits.