Florida congressman Matt Gaetz is reportedly the subject of a sex trafficking investigation.
Three sources briefed on the matter told the New York Times the inquiry is part of a broader investigation stemming from the prosecution of Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector who has been accused of child sex trafficking. Federal agents are reportedly trying to determine if Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and whether he paid for her to travel with him. The Times points out the latter would breach federal sex trafficking laws, as it is “illegal to induce someone under 18 to travel over state lines to engage in sex in exchange for money or something of value.”
Gaetz, who has represented Florida’s 1st Congressional District since 2017, told the publication he was aware of the probe, which reportedly launched in late 2020. The 38-year-old said his attorneys informed him that he was the “subject” rather than the “target” of an investigation.
“I only know that it has to do with women,” said Gaetz, who has not been formally charged. “I have a suspicion that someone is trying to recategorize my generosity to ex-girlfriends as something more untoward.”
He also addressed the reported investigation in a brief Twitter thread Tuesday night, insisting the allegations were false.
