Evan Perez, David Shortell, Paula Reid and Pamela Brown, 2 April 2021
WASHINGTON — Federal investigators looking into Rep. Matt Gaetz’s relationships with young women have examined whether any federal campaign money was involved in paying for travel and expenses for the women, a person briefed on the matter said.
Investigators are examining whether the Florida Republican engaged in a relationship with a woman that began when she was 17 years old and whether his involvement with other young women broke federal sex trafficking and prostitution laws, according to that source and another person briefed on the matter.
Investigators are also pursuing allegations from witnesses and other evidence that Gaetz may have used cash and drugs in his dealings with young women, the sources said.
Gaetz has denied the allegations and has tried to portray the sex trafficking investigation as connected to an alleged extortion plot against him. People briefed on the matter say investigators don’t believe the extortion claims are linked to the separate alleged sex crimes investigation of Gaetz that has been ongoing for months.
