A legal representative for two witnesses in the House ethics committee's investigation of former rep Matt Gaetz is advocating for the publication of the committee's findings. Florida attorney Joel Leppard informed ABC News that one of his clients provided testimony about witnessing Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
Leppard expressed concerns about Gaetz's potential appointment as attorney general, questioning the implications of credible witness testimonies suggesting serious criminal violations. He emphasised the importance of transparency in democratic processes.
The two witnesses, whose identities remain protected, reportedly attended social gatherings with the congressman. Joel Greenberg, a former associate of Gaetz, is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after admitting to multiple federal offences, including trafficking a minor.
Court documents reveal that Greenberg met the minor online in 2017 and facilitated meetings with other adults for commercial sexual activities. the minor initially presented herself as an adult, though Greenberg acknowledged disregarding indicators of her true age.
Attorney John Clune, representing the former minor central to the investigation, has also requested the release of the ethics committee's report. the woman, now in her twenties, testified about alleged sexual encounters with Gaetz when she was 17.
Gaetz strongly refutes these allegations, describing them as fabricated. the justice department concluded a lengthy investigation without filing charges. in September, Gaetz provided detailed responses to the ethics committee's inquiries, categorically denying any inappropriate conduct.
Following his selection for Trump's justice department, Gaetz resigned from Congress, effectively ending the ethics committee's investigation. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes releasing the committee's findings, citing institutional precedent regarding former members.
Leppard maintains his support for the report's release, raising questions about the suitability of the appointment given the nature of the sworn testimonies.
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