The House Ethics Committee has intensified its investigation into allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz by issuing a subpoena for the testimony of his former girlfriend. The woman, as first reported by ABC News, is set to testify via Zoom on February 29, as confirmed by her attorney, Tim Jansen.
Jansen affirmed the receipt of the subpoena and stated that his client intends to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the testimony. This decision follows the woman's previous indication to plead the Fifth on any inquiries concerning Gaetz during attempts by the committee to arrange a voluntary interview.
The committee's interest in Gaetz's ex-girlfriend stems from a series of allegations surrounding the congressman, including claims of paying for sex, drug use, and potential lobbying violations.
The woman was formerly employed on Capitol Hill and has been associated with Gaetz since as early as the summer of 2017. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that investigators are particularly interested in her testimony regarding allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a minor, who was 17 years old at the time.
Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, has consistently denied all accusations of wrongdoing, including any involvement in sexual misconduct with a minor or illicit activities with his former associate Joel Greenberg.
Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector, pleaded guilty to several federal charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, and has reportedly cooperated with the House Ethics Committee's investigation by providing relevant documents.
Text Messages Tie Gaetz to Alleged Payments for Sex
The investigation into Gaetz's conduct traces back to 2020 when the Justice Department initiated a probe into whether he had paid women, including minors, for sex. Although federal prosecutors ultimately closed the case without charging Gaetz, citing insufficient evidence, the House Ethics Committee has persisted in its inquiry.
Additionally, text messages obtained by House Ethics investigators reveal a connection between Gaetz and a woman who allegedly received payments for sex from his former friend.
The messages reportedly show Gaetz inviting the woman on a trip to the Florida Keys in May 2017. While Gaetz denied any knowledge of his former friend's activities, the revelations from these messages add complexity to the ongoing investigation.
The latest development in the investigation underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Gaetz's personal and professional conduct. The congressman has consistently portrayed the ethics probe as a politically motivated attack.
As the February 29 testimony approaches, anticipation mounts regarding the potential ramifications of Gaetz's ex-girlfriend's testimony. The outcome of this critical moment in the investigation into one of Florida's most polarizing lawmakers remains uncertain, with the eyes of the nation fixed on the proceedings
