Disgraced Congressman Matt Gaetz Hit With Sex Trafficking Lawsuit
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz is facing a federal civil lawsuit accusing him of participating in a sex trafficking scheme involving underage girls, illicit drugs, and interstate travel. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, names Gaetz along with former Florida state Rep. Chris Dorworth and Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector. The plaintiffs, referred to as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, seek a jury trial. Gaetz has denied the allegations, stating that the claims rely heavily on a congressional committee report where he could not confront his accusers. This legal action follows years of scrutiny over Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct, which led to his resignation from Congress in November 2024 after failing to secure support for his nomination as U.S. Attorney General. The Ethics Committee investigated reports that Gaetz engaged in statutory rape and paid multiple women for sex between 2017 and 2020, focusing on a 17-year-old girl who was homeless and sought financial assistance for dental work.
Two women have filed a lawsuit accusing former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz of participating in a sex trafficking scheme alongside two other individuals, including a former state legislator. The legal action was brought in federal court in Orlando and names Gaetz, former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, and former Florida state Rep. Chris Dorworth as defendants. The women, referred to in the lawsuit as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, allege that Gaetz and his co-defendants engaged in activities involving young women, illicit drugs, and interstate travel between 2017 and January 2019. According to the 38-page lawsuit, the defendants used their positions of power and wealth to exploit the economic vulnerabilities of the plaintiffs. The suit claims that Gaetz and Greenberg coordinated the recruitment, payment, drug use, and travel arrangements necessary to obtain commercial sex acts from young women. The lawsuit further states that Dorworth's home in Central Florida was the location of a party where he allegedly participated in these activities. Gaetz, who has consistently denied allegations related to underage sex and trafficking, said he would vigorously contest the claims made in the lawsuit. In a text message, he stated he looked forward to taking the plaintiffs' depositions, arguing that much of the conduct alleged against him is false. He noted that the lawsuit primarily relies on a report from the House Ethics Committee, which did not allow him to confront his accusers directly. Gaetz expressed that he would now have the opportunity to do so. The lawsuit follows a broader investigation into Gaetz's conduct that began in 2021 when the Justice Department launched an inquiry into his actions. Although the investigation concluded without charges being filed against Gaetz, it contributed to the downfall of his political career. Gaetz had been considered a potential nominee for attorney general under President Donald Trump but withdrew his candidacy before a Senate confirmation hearing due to anticipated controversy. The allegations detailed in the lawsuit include instances where Gaetz and Greenberg allegedly promised financial assistance or help with college expenses to the plaintiffs in exchange for sexual favors. The lawsuit asserts that these promises were used to maintain compliance and silence from the plaintiffs. Stencer Kuvin, the attorney representing the two women, mentioned that the statute of limitations for federal laws protecting sex trafficking victims is 10 years, suggesting that the deadline might be approaching based on the timeline presented in the lawsuit. Gaetz, known for his close association with Trump, has since left Congress and has been active in media, hosting a program on the One America News Network. He has also joined the board of a nonprofit organization focused on distributing funds. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Gaetz continues to engage in public speaking engagements, including a planned appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in December.
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Two unnamed women have filed a lawsuit against former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz and two others, accusing them of participating in a sex trafficking scheme between 2017 and 2019. The lawsuit claims Gaetz, along with former state legislator Joel Greenberg and lobbyist Chris Dorworth, coordinated the recruitment, payment, drug use, and travel arrangements for commercial sex acts involving young women. The allegations align with previous investigations into Gaetz, including a House Ethics Committee probe that found evidence of Gaetz having sex with a minor, using illegal drugs, and soliciting prostitutes. Gaetz has denied the accusations and plans to challenge them in court, citing the lack of opportunity to confront his accusers during the earlier investigation. Greenberg, who is currently incarcerated for unrelated crimes, previously cooperated with federal investigators looking into Gaetz, though the DOJ did not file formal charges.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the allegations made by the plaintiffs and Gaetz's denial of wrongdoing. It does not favor either side, providing direct quotes from both parties and contextual background on prior investigations. There is no overtly biased language or selective sourcing that would indicate
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz is facing a federal civil lawsuit accusing him of participating in a sex trafficking scheme involving underage girls, illicit drugs, and interstate travel. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, names Gaetz along with former Florida state Rep. Chris Dorworth and Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector. The plaintiffs, referred to as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, seek a jury trial. Gaetz has denied the allegations, stating that the claims rely heavily on a congressional committee report where he could not confront his accusers. This legal action follows years of scrutiny over Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct, which led to his resignation from Congress in November 2024 after failing to secure support for his nomination as U.S. Attorney General. The Ethics Committee investigated reports that Gaetz engaged in statutory rape and paid multiple women for sex between 2017 and 2020, focusing on a 17-year-old girl who was homeless and sought financial assistance for dental work.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the allegations against Matt Gaetz and his denial of them, providing quotes from both the plaintiffs and Gaetz himself. It does not exhibit clear bias toward either side, instead relaying the facts of the case and the responses from involved parties.
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