Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is accused of paying multiple women for sex and using illicit drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, according to a report from the House Ethics Committee.
The 37-page report claims Gaetz violated several Florida state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, Fox News reported.
“The Committee concluded there was substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, acceptance of impermissible gifts, the provision of special favors and privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report stated.
Gaetz has denied the accusations, and a previous federal investigation did not result in charges against him.
The committee stated that Gaetz attempted to mislead its investigation by blocking information about a trip to the Bahamas with women.
The report also alleges Gaetz made payments to women for sex and drug use between 2017 and 2020.
One allegation involves Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl at a party in 2017, which reportedly violates Florida’s statutory rape law.
The girl claimed she was paid $400 by Gaetz, and was under the influence of ecstasy during the encounter.
The report additionally includes allegations that Gaetz used drugs and sent messages asking women to bring drugs to their meetings.
Gaetz’s resignation from Congress last month led to the sudden halt of the investigation. On the same day the report was released, Gaetz filed a lawsuit to block its publication.
President-elect Donald Trump initially picked Gaetz as his nominee to be Attorney General. However, Gaetz later withdrew from consideration after Republican support waffled and his path to confirmation became uncertain.