House Ethics Report Alleges Matt Gaetz Paid for Sex with a Minor and Broke Multiple Laws

Despite damning findings, Florida law enforcement and federal prosecutors have not pursued charges against the former congressman.

A U.S. House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence that Matt Gaetz paid for sex, including with a 17-year-old, and used illegal drugs between 2017 and 2020.
The report details payments to women, drug use, and violations of state and federal laws, including statutory rape, prostitution, and obstruction of Congress.
Local Florida law enforcement agencies have declined to investigate further, citing expired statutes of limitations and lack of direct complaints.
Federal prosecutors previously informed Gaetz in 2023 that they would not bring charges following a years-long investigation into sex trafficking allegations.
Legal experts suggest some avenues for prosecution under Florida law remain open, particularly regarding sex trafficking and potential coercion in specific incidents.