New allegations against Gaetz emerge ahead of committee vote

WASHINGTON: Details surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct against US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, were revealed on Monday.

Joel Leppard, an attorney representing two women, revealed to various American media sites, including CNN and ABC News, that he testified to the House Ethics Committee about Gaetz’ alleged crimes.

The two women he represents claim they were paid, via Venmo, by Gaetz for sex. One of the women also allegedly witnessed Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was a minor at the time, at a house party in 2017.  

Leppard told ABC News that “in July of 2017, at this house party, she was walking out to the pool area, and she looked to her right, and she saw Rep Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was 17.” Leppard added that Gaetz later found out the girl was underage.

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A probe by the House ethics committee looked into accusations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, culminating in a report on the findings of their investigation. The committee had previously stated that they’re are reviewing allegations “that Representative Gaetz may have: engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favours to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.”

However, Gaetz resignation from Congress earlier in November effectively ended the planned vote by the committee on whether to release their findings. The committee has rescheduled to meet on November 20 to discuss and possibly vote on releasing the report.

Trump’s transition spokesperson, Alex Pfeiffer, stated that “these are baseless allegations intended to derail the second Trump administration,” after he lauded Gaetz as the choice for Attorney General by saying “he’s the right man for the job and will end the weaponization of our justice system.”

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