New details emerging regarding Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, who is under federal investigation for a past sexual relationship with a 17-year-old.
The New York Times reports Rep. Gaetz and indicted Florida politician Joel Greenberg recruited women for sex online and paid using cash apps.
Gaetz’s camp issued a statement saying he “has never paid for sex.”
According to The New York Times, investigators say Greenberg initially met the women on websites “that connect people who go on dates in exchange for gifts, fine dining, travel and allowances.” Greenberg then introduced the women to Gaetz, who reportedly “also had sex with them.”
Greenberg, the former Seminole County tax collector, was indicted in 2020 on a federal sex trafficking charge, among other crimes.
The New York Times reports Gaetz and Greenberg’s encounters with the women often took place at hotels around Florida, where money was exchanged either before or after meeting up. The men paid in both cash and through cash apps. Drugs would also be consumed sometimes, including by Gaetz, according to the report.
“Should anyone inquire about their relationships, one person said, Mr. Gaetz told the women to say that he had paid for hotel rooms and dinners as part of their dates,” The New York Times article states.
Gaetz has not been charged. He has continued to claim he and his family are victims of an extortion attempt involving a former Justice Department official.
CNN is also reporting the congressman showed nude photos and videos of women he slept with to other lawmakers while on the House floor.
CNN sources say Gaetz showed lawmakers the images on his cellphone and allegedly talked about having sex with the women.
