Wed Nov 20 19:20:00 UTC 2024: **Gaetz Ethics Probe: Lawyer Reveals New Details of Testimony Against Former Congressman**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A lawyer representing two women who allege they were paid for sex by former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has revealed new details about their testimony before the House Ethics Committee. The women provided investigators with “numerous” photos related to their interactions with Gaetz, including images from a 2019 New York trip where they claim they were paid for sex and accompanied him to a Fox News studio.
According to attorney Joel Leppard, the women also shared selfies allegedly sent by Gaetz and testified that they sent nude photos to him, sometimes at his request. Leppard stated that one woman testified to feeling pressured to “please” Gaetz before attending an electronic music event during the New York trip. The women provided records showing payments, totaling over $10,000, allegedly made by Gaetz via electronic transfers.
Gaetz, recently nominated by President-elect Trump for Attorney General and subsequently resigned from Congress, has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The Justice Department declined to file charges against him, a decision he has cited in his defense.
The House Ethics Committee’s investigation, which also included allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, is ongoing. While the committee delayed a meeting to discuss the release of its report following Gaetz’s resignation, it is now scheduled to convene Wednesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson has opposed releasing the report.
Leppard suggests the committee possesses substantial evidence, stating his clients were only two of several witnesses and that “very important witnesses” have yet to testify. Democrats and some Republicans are demanding access to the committee’s findings as the Senate prepares to consider Gaetz’s nomination.
First Piper 