Matt Gaetz Faces Serious Allegations in House Ethics Probe
Two women have come forward with explosive allegations against former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, claiming he sent them Venmo payments for sex and used coded language to request drugs for parties, according to their attorney, Joel Leppard. The House Ethics Committee is now reviewing these accusations as part of a broader investigation into Gaetz’s conduct during his time in Congress.
Payments for Sex and Party Code Words
Leppard told CBS News that his clients testified under subpoena that Gaetz made Venmo transactions, ranging from $200 to $500, in exchange for sexual favors. The women also claimed Gaetz referred to drugs as “party favors” or “vitamins” in text messages. The alleged incidents took place at gatherings between 2017 and January 2019, after Gaetz had already been sworn into Congress.
One woman stated she witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl at a party in July 2017. However, she testified that Gaetz may not have been aware of the girl’s age at the time. This party, along with others, allegedly featured drugs and arrangements for women to provide sexual services to attendees.
Federal Investigation Closed Without Charges
Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. Federal prosecutors investigated Gaetz for years, but the probe concluded in 2023 without any charges filed. Trump transition spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer defended Gaetz, emphasizing his innocence and asserting that only those who “lied about Matt Gaetz” faced legal consequences.
Evidence Presented to the Ethics Committee
The House Ethics Committee obtained records of Gaetz’s financial transactions and messages. According to Leppard, texts provided by his clients often showed Gaetz being reminded to pay agreed-upon amounts. One client also shared over 100 text messages involving Gaetz, which included references to payments and coded language about drugs.
Testimony Details
Leppard’s clients testified that they were paid to attend parties where drugs and sex were expected. In one instance, a payment was allegedly made by Nestor Galban, whom Gaetz has publicly referred to as his “son.” Payments were also reportedly facilitated by Joel Greenberg, a Gaetz associate convicted in 2022 of sex trafficking a minor.
Despite the serious allegations, Leppard’s clients expressed a nuanced view of their interactions with Gaetz, describing a mix of friendship and obligation. They also claimed to have interacted with Gaetz’s then-girlfriend, who, on at least one occasion, arranged for them to “fulfill their duties” before attending an event.
Political Implications
The timing of the allegations is politically significant. Gaetz was recently announced as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general. The House Ethics Committee was scheduled to vote on releasing its report on Gaetz on November 15 but delayed the decision after his abrupt resignation from Congress. The panel, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, is now set to reconvene.
Public and Legal Ramifications
Leppard emphasized that his clients were compelled to testify under subpoena and are not politically motivated. “The public deserves to know the truth,” one client said. Despite the risks to their safety and livelihoods, the women insist their accounts are credible and substantiated.
The unfolding investigation places Gaetz under intense scrutiny as lawmakers weigh the allegations against his potential nomination to a high-profile federal position. Both Democratic and Republican senators have expressed interest in the Ethics Committee’s findings before making any decisions on his confirmation.
