ORLANDO, Fla. – The House Ethics Committee on Monday released a 37-page report investigating former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, accusing him of paying for sex, rampant drug use, and breaking multiple state laws.
The report lists payments totaling more than $90,000 to 12 different women between 2017-2020, and alleges the money was likely connected to sexual activity and drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy.
It also states nearly $4,000 was sent to former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, who offered written testimony to the committee for the report. Greenberg is serving 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges, including underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, and identity theft.
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The relationship between Greenberg and Gaetz allegedly started in 2017. According to the ethics report, the two frequently attended parties and other gatherings with young women in attendance — women who were contacted by Greenberg via the sugar daddy dating website, Seeking Arrangements.
One of the parties allegedly happened July 15, 2017, at a Heathrow home belonging to Florida lobbyist Chris Dorworth. The committee obtained testimony that alleges Gaetz, who was 35 years old at the time, had sex with multiple women at the home, including twice with a 17-year-old.
The victim, who testified she had just finished her junior year of high school, told the committee she recalled receiving $400 in cash from Gaetz, which she understood to be payment for sex. Under Florida law, it’s a felony for anyone over 24 years of age to have sexual relations with a minor under 18.
The report goes on to say the committee identified at least 20 occasions from the beginning of 2017 through the middle of 2020 where there was substantial evidence that Gaetz met with women who were paid for sex and/or drugs. One woman allegedly said, “99% of the time” she hung out with Gaetz “sex was involved.”
In one instance, a screenshot shows messages allegedly sent between Greenberg and a 20-year-old female who said she usually charges “$400 per meet.” Greenberg sent a picture Gaetz — who he called his friend — with the woman responding, “My friend thinks he’s really cute,” before Greenberg asked if she ever tried molly.
At this point, Gaetz is not facing any charges. Both the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Office told News 6 they’re aware of the report and will send a statement. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office told us they’re deferring to local law enforcement.
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