'We will comply with the subpoena': Gaetz ex-girlfriend to testify before Ethics Committee
An ex-girlfriend of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) has reportedly agreed to appear before the House Committee on Ethics as the Republican-led committee continues to investigate the embattled congressman.
ABC News reported Friday that the woman — whose name has not been publicly disclosed — is a former Capitol Hill employee who dated Gaetz at the time of a 2018 flight to the Bahamas with the Florida Republican and several others, and apparently has direct knowledge of the woman who was a minor at the time Gaetz allegedly had sex with her. The woman's attorney, Tim Jansen, confirmed that his client will appear via Zoom on February 29th.
"Of course we will comply with the subpoena and we will appear before the committee," Jansen told ABC. "I can confirm I received a subpoena on behalf of my client. We will certainly appear before the committee as required. However, we have informed the Staff that my client will be invoking her Fifth Amendment right before the Committee."
An unnamed source ABC reported is "familiar with the committee's work" said the questioning will focus on allegations that Gaetz paid for sex, used illegal drugs, and potentially violated lobbying rules. The committee has also reportedly reached out to a woman who Gaetz allegedly slept with while she was under 18, along with longtime Gaetz associate, former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg. Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in 2021 after pleading guilty to numerous federal charges.
In a response to ABC, Gaetz dismissed the committee's investigation as retaliation for his role in instigating the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) and denied the allegations of impropriety.
"I see through this sham and the American people will too," Gaetz said. "Exposing witch hunts is kind of my thing around here."
The Department of Justice declined to file formal criminal charges against Gaetz last year in regard to allegations of underage sex trafficking.
READ MORE: GOP-led committee revives investigation into Matt Gaetz's alleged sex trafficking and corruption
