'New witnesses:' Ethics committee ramps up investigation into Matt Gaetz sex allegations

A House of Representatives ethics probe into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz is reportedly active again including interviewing new witnesses, ABC News reported on Tuesday.

Gaetz has been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee since 2021, when sex trafficking allegations emerged about the congressman.

ABC News reported that the Republican-led House Ethics Committee has contacted “multiple new witnesses” and that committee members have begun conducting interviews. The USA TODAY Network has not independently verified the report.

Gaetz denied any wrongdoing, and last year, the Department of Justice notified Gaetz that it had closed its investigation into the matter.

Former Seminole Tax Collector Joel Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to several charges, including wire fraud and sex trafficking a minor. Greenberg alleged Gaetz had a relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

'new witnesses:' ethics committee ramps up investigation into matt gaetz sex allegations

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., looks on during a news conference about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) transparency on Capitol Hill November 30, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Gaetz responded to the recent ABC News report by implying the members of the ethics committee were suspect.

Previously: ‘He is hated’: House Republicans secretly consider expelling Matt Gaetz after booting George Santos

“It’s great to see the Ethics Committee has interests beyond trading stocks,” Gaetz told ABC News in response to its reporting. “They seem to be quite the unusual whales.”

In December, USA TODAY reported that House Republicans were considering expelling Gaetz after they forced U.S. Rep. George Santos from office.

Gaetz also used the news to send out fundraising emails for his election campaign, claiming the Ethics Committee is continuing its investigation because he led the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

“The people who have told disgusting lies about me and my family have gone to prison,” Gaetz said in the fundraising email. “But that isn’t stopping the so-called ‘Ethics’ Committee from continuing their Witch Hunt against me.”

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: ‘New witnesses:’ Ethics committee ramps up investigation into Matt Gaetz sex allegations

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Lawsuit seeks $16 million against Maryland county over death of pet dog shot by police

A department investigator accused two of the officers of “conduct unbecoming an officer” for entering the apartment without a warrant, but the third officer was cleared of wrongdoing, the suit says. Read more »

Heidi Klum shares rare photo of all 4 of her and Seal's kids

Heidi Klum posted a rare picture with husband Tom Kaulitz and her four kids: Leni, 19, Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14, having some quality family time. Read more »

European stocks head for flat open as markets struggle to find momentum

This is CNBC’s live blog covering European markets. European markets are heading for a flat open Tuesday, continuing lackluster sentiment seen at the start of the week in the region ... Read more »

Linda C. Black Horoscopes: November 28

Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (11/28/23). This year energizes your work and health. Faithful domestic routines provide central support. Shift directions to balance your work and health, before adapting around team ... Read more »

Michigan Democrats poised to test ambitious environmental goals in the industrial Midwest

FILE – One of more than 4,000 solar panels constructed by DTE Energy lines a 9.37-acre swath of land in Ann Arbor Township, Mich., Sept. 15, 2015. Michigan will join ... Read more »

Gaza Is Falling Into ‘Absolute Chaos,’ Aid Groups Say

A shaky cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has allowed a surge of aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza, but humanitarian groups and civilians in the enclave say the convoys aren’t ... Read more »

Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families to march together in anti-hate vigil

Demonstrators march against the rise of antisemitism in the UK on Sunday – SUSANNAH IRELAND/REUTERS Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families will march together as part of an anti-hate vigil on ... Read more »
Top List in the World