Lawmakers release report on Matt Gaetz sexual misconduct allegations: NPR

The House Ethics Committee released its long-awaited report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) on Monday after investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

The committee found that Mr. Gaetz complied with the House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct that prohibit prostitution, statutory rape, illegal drug use, accepting impermissible gifts, providing special favors or privileges, and disruptive behavior. It was determined that there was “substantial evidence” that the law had been violated. of parliament. ”

Among other charges, the committee found that Gates engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl in 2017 and used or possessed illegal drugs, including ecstasy and cocaine, on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2019. did.

Gates has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including in a statement on social media last week.

“I have never had any sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18. Any claim I have would fail in court. That’s why no such claim was made in court.” he wrote in the post.

“My 30s were a time of working hard and playing hard. It’s not a crime, but it’s shameful that I partied more than I should have, womanized, drank and smoked early in my life. ” he continued.

The committee launched an investigation into Gaetz in 2021 following a series of allegations against the then-congressman, including illegal drug use and sexual misconduct. The committee released its report over the objections of some members of the committee and its chairman, Rep. Michael Guest (R-Mississippi), who said the committee did not have jurisdiction over former members. .

Gaetz, a conservative firebrand from Florida and a staunch defender of President-elect Donald Trump, resigned before the committee voted to release its report, denying he did anything wrong. claimed not to have done so. But allegations leaked by the committee last month derailed Gaetz’s plans to become Trump’s attorney general.

On Monday, in a last-ditch effort, Gaetz sued the Ethics Commission and its chairman, Guest, to block the report’s release, arguing that the commission has no jurisdiction over civilians.

“In the public interest”

The committee said in its report that it typically does not release its findings after it loses jurisdiction over the matter, but it did so after Gaetz resigned from Congress last month.

“However, there are several past instances in which the committee has determined that it is in the public interest to release its findings even after a member has resigned from Congress,” the committee wrote. “The committee does not do this lightly.”

The committee also said in its report that Gaetz used his chief of staff to obtain a passport for a woman he had sexually engaged with and “falsely reported to the U.S. State Department that she was a voter.” Certified.

He also received gifts in connection with a trip to the Bahamas in 2018 that included travel and lodging expenses in excess of the amounts authorized by Congress.

“Congressman Gaetz knowingly and knowingly attempted to impede and impede the Committee’s investigation into his conduct,” the committee said. “Congressman Gaetz has acted in a manner that undermines the credibility of the House of Representatives.”

Joel Leppard, an attorney for two women who testified about Gaetz before the House Ethics Committee, said the committee’s findings “validate my client’s account and establish their credibility.” said.

“We appreciate the commission’s commitment to transparency in releasing this comprehensive report so we can know the truth,” he added.

committee changes policy

The decision to release the report is a reversal for the Ethics Commission, which stalled on the issue in November when Gaetz was running for attorney general. A full House vote to release the report, submitted by Democratic lawmakers earlier this month, was also rejected.

Mr Guest, the committee chairman, wrote in his report on Monday on behalf of opposition members who opposed the publication of the report: He voted in favor of releasing reports on individuals no longer under the commission’s jurisdiction, a step the commission has not taken since 2006. ”

The FBI investigated Gates in 2021 for sex trafficking violations, but the Justice Department did not indict him. The Ethics Commission also did not find that Gates had violated federal sex trafficking laws.

Gaetz has drawn the ire of Democratic and Republican colleagues alike, with many Republicans concerned about releasing a report on someone who is not a member of the House or seeking a higher office. It has been stated.

“The decision to release the report after his resignation departs from the commission’s long-standing practice and is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences,” the ethics commission’s guest chairman said in a statement. said.

—With contributions from NPR’s Barbara Sprunt and Ryan Lucas.