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 inquiry examining allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual activities with a minor and transported her across state lines. The ethics committee is particularly focused on claims regarding sexual misconduct, drug use, acceptance of improper gifts, and attempts to obstruct investigations.
Recent court documents have further complicated Gaetz’s situation. Affidavits from three eyewitnesses allege that he attended a drug-laden sex party in 2017 involving a 17-year-old girl linked to the allegations. According to a court filing, the minor, who was a junior in high school at the time, arrived in a car with her mother for the party held at the Florida home of Chris Dorworth, a lobbyist and acquaintance of Gaetz.
One witness, identified in court documents as K.M., provided a sworn affidavit describing the scene, asserting that the teenage girl was naked and that various drugs, including alcohol and cocaine, were present. The minor was referred to in the documents as A.B. Dorworth has denied meeting the girl, claiming she’s lying about Gaetz.
The ethics investigation into Gaetz began during former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s tenure but was halted in light of the Justice Department probe. Despite prosecutors deciding not to charge him in February 2023, the House reopened its investigation shortly after. Additionally, reports indicate that former Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, is cooperating with the ethics committee’s investigation. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not commented on the latest allegations.