Watch: Ohio Republican escorted off-stage after honoring Matt Gaetz with 'surprise award'
On Thursday night, December 7 in Strongsville, Ohio, the Strongsville Republican Party held its Christmas Party. The event was livestreamed and included an "award" for Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida).
But video of the event, posted by Cleveland Scene, shows that a Strongsville Republican's acknowledgement of Gaetz was really an insult rather than an actual "award" honoring him in some way.
Cleveland Scene's Vince Grzegorek reports, "Gaetz was presented with a surprise award: for his dedication to using Venmo to allegedly have sex with underage girls…. As the surprise attendee finished announcing the surprise award, Gaetz interjected — and security escorted the presenter from the stage and, presumably, the building. News recaps of the event failed to mention the incident, instead focusing on Gaetz's thoughts on Ohio's political landscape."
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The far-right MAGA congressman, although investigated, was never charged with anything.
"The Department of Justice, earlier this year, announced it would not bring charges against Gaetz in connection with a lengthy sex-trafficking investigation centering on his friend, Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to multiple counts involving girls under the age of 18," Grzegorek notes. "Greenberg, in his plea, admitted he 'introduced the minor to other adult men, who engaged in commercial sex acts.' The Daily Beast unearthed Venmo transactions between Gaetz and Greenberg, as well as Gaetz and a 17-year-old girl."
Grzegorek adds, "Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and DOJ prosecutors cited credibility issues with two key witnesses in their decision to not pursue charges."
READ MORE: Kevin McCarthy: Republicans would benefit 'tremendously' if Matt Gaetz wasn't in Congress
Watch the video below or at this link.
