Matt Gaetz likely won't face charges in Orange or Seminole counties, officials cite statute of limitations
ORLANDO, Fla. - Matt Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, will likely not face any charges out of Central Florida following the allegations made in a congressional report released earlier this week.
The House Ethics Committee report, which spanned 37 pages, stated that Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars for sex and drugs and broke a number of state laws.
Matt Gaetz will not face criminal charges in Florida
Criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down the Orange and Seminole County Sheriff's Offices announcing they will not pursue criminal charges in relation to the House Ethics Committee's report alleging sexual misconduct and drug abuse against former Congressman Matt Gaetz because the statute of limitations has passed.
One incident reportedly took place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orange County, where Gaetz is alleged to have paid a sex worker to provide "party favors."
Although laws were broken by Gaetz, the Orange County Sheriff's Office tells FOX 35 that due to the statute of limitations they are not investigating or charging him.
Gaetz was also accused of paying a minor for sex in Seminole County.
He allegedly paid a 17-year-old girl to have sex with him during a party at the home of Florida lobbyist and former state representative Chris Dorworth in Heathrow, Florida.
Related article: Matt Gaetz accused of sexual misconduct, drug use in scathing House Ethics report
Testimony obtained by the committee also alleges Gaetz, who was 35-years-old at the time, had sex with multiple women, including the 17-year-old twice.
However, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office told FOX 35 it is not pursuing charges because the statute of limitations has run out.
Both agencies stated they delayed their investigations due to an ongoing federal probe. The Justice Department investigated allegations against Gaetz, linking him to his associate, former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg.
Joel Greenberg was ultimately sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, and identity theft.
Despite this, the Justice Department declined to pursue charges against Gaetz. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office told News 6 that they are deferring to local law enforcement on the matter.
What's next for Matt Gaetz after House Ethics Report?
Independent political analyst and author Rich Rubino joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down the fallout of the Matt Gaetz report released by the House Ethics Committee, what it means for other representatives, and what Matt Gaetz's next steps could be in politics.
Gaetz denies the allegations against him, claiming they are false.
A member of a prominent political family from Florida’s panhandle, Gaetz previously resigned from office after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him as U.S. Attorney General. However, Gaetz later withdrew his name, and Trump instead nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The Source: The information in this article comes from statements given to FOX 35 and public government documentation.