Two women sue former Rep. Matt Gaetz for sex trafficking in federal court

Two women filed a federal lawsuit in Orlando, Florida, accusing former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and two other men of engaging in a sex trafficking scheme while Gaetz was a sitting member of Congress. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleges that the defendants coordinated recruitment, payments, drugs, and travel to obtain commercial sexual acts from the plaintiffs between 2017 and January 2019.

Allegations of Exploitation

The lawsuit, filed by two women identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, claims they were in their early 20s when they met Gaetz through Joel Greenberg, a former tax official in Seminole County. Greenberg pleaded guilty in May 2021 to six federal charges, including sex trafficking of a child, and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.

According to the complaint, Gaetz and Greenberg paid the women for sex, out-of-state travel, lodging, and other expenses. The lawsuit alleges that Gaetz sent payments via PayPal and other methods, with messages such as "1x flight + xtra 4 u," "Car deductible" and "Love you." The complaint states that between July 2017 and January 2019, Gaetz and Greenberg paid Jane Doe 1 on at least nineteen documented occasions, with payments ranging from $150 to $1,000.

The women allege they were financially vulnerable at the time. "Every part of this venture ran on an exploitative power imbalance," the women's attorney, Spencer Kuvin, said in the lawsuit. "On one side stood a sitting congressman, an elected tax collector, and a former state legislator, men with public office, private homes, and money to spend. On the other stood young financially vulnerable women in their early twenties."

Travel and Drug Use

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants arranged and funded travel for the plaintiffs to Venice Beach, Miami, Las Vegas, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and New York City. The complaint states that these trips took the women to "places they had never been and into rooms with men they would never otherwise have met, and every part of that access, from the flights to the hotel rooms, was paid for by men, including the Defendants, who expected sex in return."

The complaint also alleges that illicit drugs were provided during these encounters. Jane Doe 2 alleges that "pressed MDMA pills" were handed out at a party where she met Gaetz, and that she took one with Greenberg.

Gaetz's Response

Matt Gaetz has denied the allegations. In a statement, he said, "Much of the conduct alleged against me is false." He added, "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."

Gaetz also posted on social media platform X, sharing a 2018 photo of three women in bathing suits in the Bahamas. "Jane Doe Strikes Again! Two adult women sued me today alleging they were sex trafficked to the Bahamas. I’m shocked nobody responded to their repeated cries for help, posted to instagram," Gaetz posted.

Background

The lawsuit follows a House Ethics Committee report released in December 2024, which found "substantial evidence" that Gaetz paid women for sex, had sex with a minor, and used illegal drugs. The report contributed to Gaetz withdrawing his name from consideration for attorney general in President Donald Trump's administration. Gaetz resigned from Congress in November 2024. He currently hosts a political talk show on One America News Network and serves on the board of Triumph Gulf Coast.

Why it matters

This civil lawsuit represents a new legal challenge for Matt Gaetz, who has faced scrutiny since the House Ethics Committee investigation. The case highlights ongoing allegations of misconduct involving public officials and raises questions about the use of federal anti-trafficking laws in civil suits. The outcome could have implications for Gaetz's public standing and future political or professional endeavors.

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Sources

• politico.com: 2 women accuse Matt Gaetz of sex trafficking in new lawsuit - POLITICO
• rollcall.com: Former Rep. Matt Gaetz faces sex trafficking lawsuit – Roll Call
• bozemandailychronicle.com: Lawsuit by 2 women accuses ex-Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz of sex trafficking
• theguardian.com: Matt Gaetz accused in suit of sex trafficking two women in Florida | US news | The Guardian
• wral.com: Lawsuit by 2 women accuses ex-Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz of sex trafficking :: WRAL.com

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.