Rep. Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend appears before grand jury in sex trafficking probe

The ex-girlfriend of Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) appeared before a federal grand jury on Wednesday.

This comes as part of the investigation into the congressman for possible sex trafficking of a minor.

According to the Washington Post, CNN and NBC News both saw the woman and her attorney entering the courthouse in Orlando. Timothy Janson, a lawyer for the woman, confirmed they were there but did not say anything further. Gaetz has been under investigation for possible sex traffickng since late 2020. 

Gaetz’s lawyer, Isabelle Kirshner, stated, “We have seen no credible basis for a charge against Congressman Gaetz. We remain steadfast in our commitment to challenge any allegations with the facts and law.” Gaetz has repeatedly denied paying for sex or being involved with a 17-year-old as an adult. Investigators are continuing to explore these claims.

It is unclear at this point what his ex-girlfriend told the jury. She is among several women on a trip that Gaetz took to the Bahamas in 2018. The 17-year-old in question was also on said trip, though she was an adult at the time.

Prosecutors are continuing to collect witnesses to testify against Gaetz. In May, a Florida politician who plead guilty to sex traficking a minor agreed to cooperate. Coincidentally, the 17-year-old at the center of Gaetz’ case is the same minor involved with the other Florida politician’s case.