Ethics Committee Witness Claims She Saw Gaetz with Minor

A witness in the House Ethics Committee investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz testified that she observed him having sexual relations with a minor, according to her attorney. The revelation comes as Gaetz faces scrutiny over his nomination for Attorney General in the incoming Trump administration.

Key Developments

Florida attorney Joel Leppard, representing two witnesses who testified before the House Ethics Committee, says one of his clients witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor

1️⃣ Gaetz resigned from Congress Wednesday following his selection as Trump's Attorney General nominee

2️⃣ The woman at the center of the investigation, now in her 20s, previously testified to the committee that Gaetz had relations with her when she was 17

3️⃣ House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes releasing the Ethics Committee's findings, citing tradition regarding former members

Background

The allegations emerged during a broader investigation involving Gaetz's former associate Joel Greenberg, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence. Greenberg pleaded guilty to multiple federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a minor and introducing her to other adult men.

The Justice Department conducted a yearslong investigation into these allegations but declined to charge Gaetz last year. The congressman has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating in September that he "unequivocally" never engaged in sexual activity with anyone under 18.

​Calls​ for Transparency

1️⃣ Multiple attorneys involved in the case are pushing for the release of the House Ethics Committee's report:

2️⃣ Attorney Joel Leppard questions what should happen if "multiple credible witnesses provided evidence of behavior that would constitute serious criminal violations"

3️⃣ John Clune, representing the former minor, called Gaetz's AG nomination "a perverse development in a truly dark series of events"

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Gaetz's Response

A spokesperson for Gaetz responded to the allegations by pointing to the Justice Department's decision not to file charges: "Merrick Garland's DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and didn't charge him. Are you alleging Garland is part of a cover up?"

Gaetz himself has characterized the allegations as "invented" and maintains they "would constitute false testimony to Congress."

Future of the Ethics Report

With Gaetz's resignation from Congress, the House Ethics Committee's investigation has concluded without public release of its findings. House Speaker Johnson has expressed opposition to releasing reports about former members, suggesting the complete findings may never become public.

The situation continues to develop as Gaetz moves forward with the Attorney General nomination process, with increasing pressure from various parties to make the Ethics Committee's findings public.