Woman Witnessed Matt Gaetz Having Sex With a Minor, Lawyer Says

 

A lawyer for a woman has alleged that former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida was witnessed engaging in sexual activity with a minor.  

“My client testified before the House Ethics Committee that she saw Matt Gaetz having sex with a minor,” attorney Joel Leppard told ABC News.  

The House Ethics Committee has been investigating Gaetz, who is President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, over allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Leppard has called on the committee to release its findings.  

“As the Senate evaluates former Representative Gaetz's nomination for attorney general, critical questions need answers,” Leppard said in a statement reported by **CBS News**. “What if multiple credible witnesses have provided evidence of actions that could constitute serious criminal violations?”  

Leppard emphasized the need for transparency, urging, “Democracy demands transparency. Release the Gaetz ethics report.” He represents two women who provided testimony to the committee during its investigation into Gaetz’s conduct.  

Responding to Leppard’s comments, a spokesperson for Gaetz told **ABC News**, “Merrick Garland’s DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and chose not to press charges. Are you suggesting Garland is part of a cover-up?”  

Earlier this week, Trump announced Gaetz as his pick for attorney general, stating, “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations, and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”  

Trump also praised Gaetz’s work on the House Judiciary Committee, referencing his role in combating what Trump called the “Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax,” referring to investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.  

Gaetz was previously investigated by the Department of Justice for alleged sex trafficking, with inquiries focusing on whether he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old in 2019 and paid for her travel. The FBI seized Gaetz’s phone and that of his ex-girlfriend during the investigation. Gaetz denied wrongdoing, calling the probe an “organized criminal extortion” plot.  

In 2021, Gaetz’s associate Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking. However, by 2022, DOJ prosecutors recommended against charging Gaetz, citing issues with witness credibility. The investigation was closed five months later.  

The House Ethics Committee launched its own inquiry but generally halts investigations once a member leaves Congress. Despite this, Leppard and some lawmakers have pushed for the release of the ethics report, while GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated he would “strongly request” the report remain undisclosed.