WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated multiple state laws by paying women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl, and using illegal drugs from his Capitol Hill office, according to a House Ethics Committee report obtained by CBS News.
The 37-page report found “substantial evidence” that the Florida Republican engaged in prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, and obstruction of Congress. Gaetz, who resigned in November after being briefly considered for Trump’s attorney general nomination, has filed a federal lawsuit to block the report’s release.
The committee cited extensive evidence, including witness testimony, text messages, and payment records showing Gaetz made over $90,000 in payments to 12 women “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use” between 2017 and 2020.
According to the report, a 17-year-old girl identified as “Victim A” testified she had sex with Gaetz twice at a 2017 party and received $400 in cash. The committee noted she did not inform Gaetz of her age, nor did he ask.
The investigation also detailed drug-fueled parties, including a 2018 Bahamas trip where witnesses say Gaetz took ecstasy and had sex with four women. Text messages showed him referring to drugs as “party favors,” “rolls” or “vitamins.”
While the Department of Justice previously investigated Gaetz for sex trafficking but filed no charges, the committee found he violated House rules and state laws. The report noted that while women described the encounters as consensual, one witness said drug use may have impaired their ability to “fully consent.”
Gaetz, who refused to testify but provided written responses, has denied all allegations, calling them a political “smear.” He told conservative host Charlie Kirk he plans to spend coming years “fighting for President Trump.”
The committee’s decision to release the report followed a secret vote with bipartisan support, including two Republican members voting in favor.
