House ethics panel accuses Matt Gaetz of paying for sex and using drugs while member of Congress

Ethics Committee says it has 'substantial evidence' former Republican congressman engaged in illegal activities

Former congressman Matt Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing. AFP

The Ethics Committee of the House of Representatives on Monday accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs all while the Florida Republican was a member of Congress.

The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and holidays that Mr Gaetz took part in from 2017 to 2020 while representing Florida's western panhandle, the Associated Press reported. The findings conclude that he violated several state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office.

“The committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report states. Mr Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing

It brings to a close a nearly five-year investigation into Mr Gaetz, a strong ally of president-elect Donald Trump. He was nominated to Mr Trump's cabinet as attorney general but withdrew from consideration amid challenges garnering widespread Republican support for confirmation in the Senate. His political future is uncertain, although Mr Gaetz indicated recently that he would be interested in running for the open Senate seat in Florida.

The report found that Mr Gaetz paid more than $90,000 to 12 different women, payments the ethics panel determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and drug use, CBS News reported. CNN reported similar details of the draft report. Both outlets said his actions violated Florida state laws.

The panel received testimony that Mr Gaetz had sex twice with a 17-year-old girl, described in the report as “Victim A”, at a party in 2017, CBS reported.

In response to the release of the report, on Monday, Mr Gaetz filed a lawsuit seeking to block the release of the report, which he says contains “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community”. Mr Gaetz’s complaint argues he is no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction since he resigned from Congress.