A document prepared by federal investigators has bolstered claims made by women who say they were paid for sex by Rep. Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for attorney general. The document shows a web of payments among Gaetz and dozens of associates involved in drug-fueled sex parties between 2017 and 2020.
Two women who testified before the House Ethics Committee said they received around $10,000 from Gaetz in exchange for sex. The document, obtained by The New York Times, uses Venmo transactions to connect Gaetz with dozens of women, including a 17-year-old girl.
Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and the federal investigation was closed without charges. However, the document provides new evidence of his involvement in sex trafficking and parties involving minors.
The chart also helps to solidify the testimony of Joel Greenberg, Gaetz’s former friend and chief accuser, who pleaded guilty to an array of charges including sex trafficking. Despite the Justice Department’s reluctance to release evidence, the House committee was able to obtain some information gathered during the investigation.
The document is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Gaetz’s conduct, and raises questions about his fitness for the attorney general position.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/us/politics/matt-gaetz-venmo-payments-sex.html