Politics
Two women file federal trafficking suit against former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz
Two women have sued Matt Gaetz and two other men in federal court in Orlando, alleging a sex-trafficking scheme dating to Gaetz’s time in Congress. Gaetz said he would vigorously contest the claims.
Two women have filed a federal lawsuit accusing former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and two other men, including a former state legislator, of participating in an alleged sex-trafficking scheme while Gaetz was serving in Congress.
The suit was filed in Orlando this week and seeks damages. The women, who are not identified in the complaint, say they were in their early 20s when they first met Gaetz. The complaint alleges that the defendants used their public positions, influence and wealth to exploit the women’s financial vulnerability.
Gaetz said he would vigorously contest the allegations. The claims echo allegations examined by the House Ethics Committee, which found that Gaetz had sex with a minor, solicited prostitutes and used illegal drugs.
That investigation also disrupted Gaetz’s bid to become attorney general under President Donald Trump. Gaetz resigned from his Northwest Florida congressional seat to pursue the post, then withdrew his name before a potentially contentious Senate confirmation process.
The lawsuit now brings the accusations into civil court, where the plaintiffs are seeking financial damages. The allegations have not been established in court.