Brief
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz sued in federal court over alleged sex‑trafficking scheme
The 33‑page complaint, filed in the Middle District of Florida, alleges Gaetz helped recruit women for a drug‑laden sex‑trafficking operation between 2017 and early 2019.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Two women have filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of participating in a sex‑trafficking scheme that involved drugs and crossed state lines.
What happened
The complaint, a 33‑page filing in the Middle District of Florida, was submitted on Monday by attorney Spencer Kuvin on behalf of the plaintiffs, identified only as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. The suit alleges that the alleged conduct occurred between 2017 and January 2019. In addition to Gaetz, the filing names former Florida GOP House member Christopher Dorworth and former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg as co‑defendants.
What the reports add
Winnipeg Free Press, citing the Associated Press, notes that the lawsuit was filed in federal court in Orlando and comes nearly two years after a House Ethics Committee report detailed alleged sex‑paid activities by Gaetz, including with a 17‑year‑old, and drug use. The Independent adds that the complaint relies heavily on that Ethics Committee report, which the plaintiffs could not confront at the time.
What was said
Gaetz issued a statement through his spokesperson, saying, “I look forward to taking the plaintiffs’ depositions because much of the conduct alleged against me is false,” and that the lawsuit “relies almost exclusively on a Congressional Committee report that didn’t allow me to confront my accusers. Now I will finally have that chance,” as reported by the Independent.
How it came about
The lawsuit follows the 2024 House Ethics Committee investigation that concluded Gaetz had regularly paid for sex and used illicit drugs while in office. That report, which was publicized earlier this year, contributed to the collapse of Gaetz’s bid for Florida attorney general. The current civil action builds on those findings, seeking damages from Gaetz and the two additional defendants.
Key facts
- Two women filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing Matt Gaetz of sex trafficking. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The complaint was filed in the Middle District of Florida by attorney Spencer Kuvin. (independent.co.uk)
- The suit alleges conduct between 2017 and January 2019 and names Christopher Dorworth and Joel Greenberg as co‑defendants. (independent.co.uk)
- Gaetz denied the allegations, calling the claims false and saying the lawsuit relies on a congressional report he could not confront. (independent.co.uk)
- The lawsuit follows a 2024 House Ethics Committee report that detailed alleged sex‑paid activities and drug use by Gaetz. (winnipegfreepress.com)
