Florida Rep Matt Gaetz accused of recruiting women online for sex
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Damning new allegations have emerged around Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, including that he reportedly gave cash payments to women for sex and liked to show nude photos of women to his House colleagues.
Gaetz (38) is currently facing a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into whether the House representative had sex with a 17-year-old and paid for her travel across state lines.
Now the Republican is coming under fire for allegedly recruiting women online for sex, according to the New York Times.
The DOJ is investigating Gaetz's relationship with former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, who reportedly made dates with women he met online in exchange for gifts and travel and introduced the women to the congressman.
According to the Times, Gaetz and Greenberg met several of the women through a site called Seeking Arrangement, which describes itself as a forum "where Sugar Babies enjoy a life of luxury by being pampered with fine dinners, exotic trips and allowances. In turn, Sugar Daddies or Mommas find beautiful members to accompany them at all times."
Several payment receipts from mobile apps and text messages were cited as evidence. Sources said the meetings sometimes involved illegal use of the drug ecstasy.
Gaetz has denied the allegations.
His office released a statement, which read, "Matt Gaetz has never paid for sex. Matt Gaetz has never ever been on any such websites whatsoever. Matt Gaetz cherishes the relationships in his past and looks forward to marrying the love of his life."
Nevertheless, several House colleagues said Gaetz liked to brag by showing them nude photos and videos of women he claimed he'd had sex with, CNN reported.
"It was a point of pride," one of the sources explained.
It is unclear whether the photos have any bearing on the DOJ investigation.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire