Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz faced continued scrutiny this week as new court documents revealed eyewitness accounts linking him to a drug-fueled party involving a minor. The controversy stems from a long-standing investigation by the GOP-controlled ethics committee, which is looking into allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and attempting to obstruct investigations related to his conduct.
According to court filings from Friday, testimonies from three eyewitnesses indicated that Gaetz was present at a 2017 party in Florida hosted by lobbyist Chris Dorworth, where a 17-year-old girl—identified in the records only as A.B.—was allegedly in attendance. The minor arrived at the July 15 gathering in her mother’s vehicle and was reported to be naked at the event, where drugs and alcohol were allegedly available.
Dorworth, in response to the allegations, denied knowing the teenager, asserting that she is lying about Gaetz. The ethics investigation into Gaetz began during former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s term and was temporarily halted while the Justice Department conducted its probe. Although prosecutors decided not to charge Gaetz in February 2023, the ethics investigation resumed shortly thereafter.
Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, reports have suggested that former ally Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges, is cooperating with the ethics committee’s investigation. Gaetz has not yet publicly commented on the latest developments regarding the allegations.