Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, has been issued a subpoena related to a civil lawsuit centered around claims of his involvement with an underage girl, as reported by ABC News. This development is part of an extensive inquiry that traces back to a Justice Department investigation into Gaetz’s alleged se*xual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, who is presently in her 20s.
The legal action against Gaetz is intertwined with a lawsuit filed by lobbyist Chris Dorworth, a known associate of Gaetz, against the young woman for defamation and racketeering. However, it’s the woman’s legal team that has issued the subpoena to Gaetz, demanding his deposition on the matter.
Gaetz has consistently refuted these allegations, including in a 2021 interview with Fox News where he stated, “I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old, that is totally false.” Despite his denials, the subpoena sets a deposition date for Gaetz on April 5, where he may have to provide sworn testimony regarding the allegations of his involvement with the young woman.
John Clune, representing the young woman, confirmed to ABC News that the subpoena had been successfully delivered to Gaetz. This legal move comes after the Justice Department concluded its investigation into Gaetz without public action earlier in 2023. Nonetheless, the House Ethics Committee initiated its own examination of the claims against Gaetz in January.
Further complicating matters, Fritz Scheller, attorney for Joel Greenberg, a former associate of Gaetz, disclosed to the New York Times that he had submitted documents to the committee. These documents reportedly support Greenberg’s allegations that he was present during the alleged se*xual encounter involving Gaetz.
Greenberg, who has admitted his cooperation with the Justice Department’s investigation, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on various charges, including underage s*ex trafficking. Gaetz had previously acknowledged Greenberg as a friend before the emergence of these scandalous allegations, highlighting the intricate web of personal and legal challenges now confronting the Florida congressman.