Osramočeni kongresnik Matt Gaetz je bil obtožen zaradi trgovine z ljudmi.

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.